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No. XXIL. 



FRENCH^^^ANDARul DRAMA. 




THE LOVE -CHASE. 



!2l ComcOg, 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES. 



WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, OAST OF CHARAC- 
TERS, COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



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No. XXII. 
FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. 



THE LOVE-CHASE. 

2, CHomc^e 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY JAMES SHERIDAN KNOWLES. 

WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS COS 
UMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, &c. 

k» PLAYGD AT THE PARK THEATRE, 



^ o » ■ « 



JTE-W TORE : LONDON , 



Samuel French &. Son, 

PTTBLISITEES, 

No. 133 jVassau Street. 



Samuel French, 

PUBLISnKT., 

S3 STIt.A.Kri3. 



1 s 7 - 



• K5L(a 

CAST OF CHARACTEnb, 

As originally played at the Drury Lane and Park Thoatres. 

Drury Lane. ParU. 

&ir William Fondlove (an old Baronet) . . Mr. Strickland. Mr. Placid-. 

Waller (in love with Lydia) " Elton. " Wheatlty. 

Wildrake (a Sportsman) " Webster. " Mason. 

Trueworth (a friend of Sir William) " Hemmings. " Frederick!. 

Neville, \ j, ■,„ .. . nr„77«« " Woorel. ' Nexsen. 

Humphries, l^'^'^^^^off^^'' < Hutchings. « Wells. 

Laah '< Ross. " John-^^on. 

Chargemell " Edwards. " Povfy. 

iieorge « Bishop. " GaKot. 

Servant " Garland, 

Lawyer « Ray. " King. 

Widow Green Mrs. Glover. Mrs. Wheatley 

Constance (daughter to Sir William) ... Mrs. Nisbett. " Shaw. 

Lydia Miss VandenhoDE " Richardson 

tdiice Mrs. Tayleure. " Durie. 

Phabe Miss W righten. " Conway. 

Amelia " Gallot. Miss Verity. 

Four Bridesmen, Three Bridesmaids, and Three Servants 



COSTUMES. 

SIR WILLIAM FONDLOVE.— Black and gold costume of Charles II.— S'ecoii4 

dress- do. of white and silver. 
WALLER. — Light brown dress, edged with scarlet. 
WILDRAKE. — Dark brown dress and high boots. 
TRUEWORTH.— Dress of black velvet witli scarlet puffs. 
NEVILLE and HUJIPHREYS.- Dark brown, edged with black. 
LASH. — Riisset-coloured jerkin. 

CHARGEWELL.— Dark brown dress and green aoroc. 
GEORGE.— Buff jerkin. 
SERVANT— Ditto. 
LAWYERS.— Black with black gown. 
FOUR BRIDESMEN.— White satin and silver. 
THREE SERVANTS.— Buff jerkins. 

WIDOW GREEN.— Grey and black dress with points and beads. 
CONSTANCE.— Dre»s of rose-coloured satin.— Second dress: scarlet riding hubll, 

— Third dress : White satin and flowers. 
LYDIA.— Plain brown dress with black body.— Second dress, of white satiu and 

silver, and wedding veil. 
ALICE — Dark brown dress and point lace 
PHCEBE. — Grey dress with blacii points. 
AMELIA.— White satin and silver. 
BRIDESMAIDS.— White satin and silver. 



EXITS AIsD ENTRANCES. 
E. means Right ; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door; 
S. E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrant'.; M-. D. Middle Door 

RELATIVE POSITIONS. 
R., means Right; L., Left; C, Centre; R. C, Right of Centre 
L. C, Left of Centre. 

ff.B. Paasagei marked with Inverted Conimais, ard usnaJly omitted hi ti» 
repr iseiitatioji. 






G»FT 
EST. OF J. H. CORNING 
JUNE 20. 1940 



^ 



EDITORIAL INTRODUCT ON. 

T*iE tide, plot, and characters of this comedy, are among the 
author's most fehcitous conceptions. " The Love Chase" waa 
originally produced the ninth of October, 1837, at the Haymar- 
ket Theatre, London. Its success was unequivocal. Mrs. Nis- 
bet, as Constance,, won the greatest share of the laurels bestowe>J 
npon the performers on the occasion. " She caught," says one 
of the critics of the day, " the full meaning of this finely drawn 
part, and conveyed its spirit to the audience with a fascinating 
power, which drew forth reiterated plaudits in every scene. 
Her delivery of the beautiful language, with which she was en- 
trusted, was easy and natural, yet full of point, enforced by ac- 
tion characteristically vigorous, but not unfeminine, and graceful 
without the slightest degree of affectation. With regard to the 
merit of the play itself, the delight we experienced in witnessing 
the production of a comedy, which displays much of the beauty 
and power of our early dramatists, without a particle of their 
grossness, renders the task of fault-finding difficult and disa- 
greeable." 

In America, " The Love Chase" has been always an accept- 
able play to audiences, though it has not attained the popularity 
of " The Hunchback" or " The Wife." Some of the stage 
situations are very cleverly contrived. That wherein the Wi- 
dow Gi-een thinks she has excited the jealousy of Master Waller 
while encouraging the addresses of Sir Wclliam Fondlove, never 
fails to be highly amusing when well presented ; and the contri- 
vai^ce by Avhich WildraTce is roused to woo " Neighbour Con- 
stance," and Constance is, on her part, alarmed at the idea of 
losing " Neighbour WildraTce,'''' is ingenious and effe Jtive. True 
there is some little violation of the probabilities of real life, in 



IV EDITORIAL INTRODUCT ON. 

Constance's undetected disguise; but we can aLnost fcrget t/iia 
as a fault, Avhen we recellect it has afforded the author an op- 
portunity of introducing the spirited description of the chase, 
which he puts into the mouth of his heroine — a description which 
has been lamely imitated in a recent comedy, professing to de 
pict English fashionable society. 

The contrast in the characters of " Lydia" and " Constance, ' 
is dramatically conceived ; but we are at a loss to know ^chy 
iho. former should have been attacked by ruffians at the precise 
mcment she is on her way to her lover's house. To make a 
deed dramatic, we must see that it has a sufficient motive. This 
is wanting in the instance we allude to ; and the consequence is, 
that Lydia utterly lacks our sympathy when she is brought in 
exanimate from terror. We see at once, that she has been at- 
tacked solely for the author's convenience, and not because it 
was in the nature of occurrences that an attack should be made. 

This play is by no means deficient in beauties of language 
and thought. One of the most admirable specimens of word- 
painting that we remember, is Sir William Fondlove's descrip- 
tion of the Widow Green, in the first act. There she is, vividly 
befoi 3 us, as we read. We can see her entering a drawing- 
room, or presiding at the card-table. We want no illustration 
by Cruikshank or Browne, to show us how she looks. Her 
well-rounded figure, her dimples, her air and manner, the very 
tones of her voice, are so inimitably pourtrayed by the author, 
that we ask no hmner's skill to aid us in forming an adequate 
conception af the character. 

Th? concluding scene of the " Love Chase" bears marks ot 
haste and neghgence. Constance should have had the last 
speech. The words spoken by the Widoiu, have been justly 
complained of as tame and obscure. But notwiths^,anding thia 
and ot^er flaws in the execution, the ccmedy is one of the beal 
and JT «t unexceptionable of modem plays. 



TO JOHIS \ANDEiSHOFF, ESQ 

MT DEAU SIR, 

It is to your snggestior. aud encouragement ihat I owe this relar o 
Dramatic Composition. Your taste and judgment have also assisted in 
the completion of the work ; and to you I dedicate that which is in 
debted to you for its existence. 

Tiie value of the offering is very doubtful — but not the sincerity 
with which it is made — nor the estimation in which your talents are 
held, and your friendship prized, by 

Your obliged and ever faithful servant, 

THE AUTHOR. 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

P/iEFACEs are generally tedious things — troublesome to the writer, 
wearying to the reader, and perhaps in most cases better omitted alto- 
gether. Yet a little mercy may fairly be craved by an author who, oc 
the eve of the production of his work, finds himself nearly a thousand 
miles away from the scene of his interests — unable to correct any of 
the faults which a nearer view might have rendered visible to him — 
and beyond the reach of even a single proof sheet. 

Such is the position of the writer of the following pages ; and hia 
fate will be decided long before it can be known to himself. He is. 
However, fortunate in the support of talents for his principal charao 
ters, which he knows will more than work out his own conceptions. 
To these and to an indulgent Public, whose kindness he has more than 
once experienced, he commits himself. 

. Some resemblance will be found between the conduct of a portion 
of this play, and Mr. James's novel of the Ancien Regime, That 
gentleman's lamp, however, is too bright for him to grudge a little of 
(ts light to one whose own taper burns mrre dully. 

Breslau, August, 1342. 



THE LOVE-CHASE 



ACT I. 
Scene I. — 77*6 Lohby of an Inn. 
Enter Chargewell, hurriedly, l. 

Char. What, hoa, there ! Hoa, Sirrahs ! More wine ! 
Are the knaves asleep ? Let not our guests cool, or we 
shall starve the till ! Good waiting, more than viands and 
wine, doth help to make the Inn ! George ! — Richard ! 
— Ralj^h ! — Where are you ? 

Enter George, r. 

Geo. Here am I, Sir. 

Char. Have they taken in more wine to that company 1 

Geo. Yes, Sir. 

Char. That's right. Serve them as quick as they order ! 
A fair company ! I have seen them here hefore. Take 
care they come again. A choice company ! That Master 
Waller, I heai*, is a fine spirit — leads the town. Pay him 
much duty. A deep purse, and easy strings ! 

Geo. And there is another. Sir ; — a capital gentleman, 
though from the country. A gentleman most learned in 
dogs and horses ! He doth talk wondrous edification :— « 
one Master Wildrake. 1 wish you could hear him. Sir. 

Char. W^ell, well ! — attend to them. Let them not cool 
o er the liquor, or their calls will groAV slack. Keep feed 
ing the fire while it ]»lazes, and the b;dze will continue. 
Look to it well ! 

Geo. I will, Sir. 



8 THE LOVE CHASE. 



[ACTl 



Char. And be careful, above all, that you please Mas- 
ter Waller. He is a guest worth pleasing ; he is a gentle- 
nan. — Free order, quick pay ! 

Geo. And such, I'll dare be sworn, is the other. A man 
of mighty stores of knowledge — most learned in dogs and 
horses ! Never was I so edified by the discourse of mor- 
tal man. \^Exeunt, Chargewell, l., George, r. 

Scene II. — A Room in an Inn, 

Masters Waller, Wildrake, Trueworth. Neville, and 
Humphreys, sitting round a iabh, c. 

Wal. Well, Master Wildrake, speak you of the chase I 
To hear you, one doth feel the bounding fiteed ; 
You bring the hounds, and game, and. all to view — 
All scudding to the jovial huntsman's cheer ! 
And yet I pity the poor crowned deer, 
And always fancy 'tis by Fortune's spite, 
That lordly head of his, he bears so high — 
Like Virtue, stately in calamity, 
And hunted by the human, worldly hound — 
Is made to fly before the pack, that straight 
Burst into song at prospect of his death 
You say their cry is harmony ; and yet 
The chorus scarce is music to my ear, 
When I bethink me what it sounds to his ; 
Nor deem I sweet the note that rings the knell 
Of the once merry forester 1 

Nev. The same things 
Do please or pain, according to the thought 
We take of them. Some smile at their own d'jath. 
Which most do shrink from, as a beast of prey 
It kills to look upon. But you, who take 
Such pity of the deer, whence follows it 
You hunt more costly game ? — The comely maid. 
To wit, that waits on buxom Widow Green 1 

Hum. The comely maid ! — Such term not half the sura 
Of her rich beauty gives ! Were rule tr go 
By loveliness, I know not in the court, 
Or city, lady might not fitly serve 
That lady serving-maid ! 

True. Come ! your defence ! 



BCENt II ] 



THE LOVE CHASE. 9 



Why show you ruth where there's least argument, 
Deny it where there's most 1 You will not plead t 
9h, Master Waller, where we use to hunt, 
We think the sport no crim.e. 

Hum. I give you joy, 
Yon prosper in your chase. 

Wal. Not so ! The maid 
In simple honesty I must pronounce 
A miracle of virtue, well as beauty. 

J^''ev. And well do I believe you, Master Waller ; 
Those know I who have ventured gift and promise 
But for a minute of her ear — the boon 
Of a poor dozen words spoke through a chink — 
And come off bootless, save the haughty scorn 
That cast their bounties back to them again. 

True. That warrants her what Master Waller speaks h* 
Is she so very fair ? 

Nev. Yes, Master Trueworth ; 
And I believe indeed an honest maid ; 
But love's the coin to market with for love, 
And that knows Master Waller. On pretence 
Of sneaking kindness for gay Widow Green, 
He visits her for sake of her fair maid ! 
To whom a glance or word avails to hint 
His proper errand : and — as glimpses only 
Do only serve to whet the wish to see — 
Awakens interest to hear the tale 
So stintingly that's told. I know his practice — 
Luck to you, Master Waller ! If you win. 
You merit it, who take the way to win ! 

Wal. Good, Master Neville ! 

True. I should laugh to see 
The poacher snared ! — the maid, for mistress sought, 
Turn out a wife. 

Nev. How say you. Master Waller 1 
Things quite as strange have fallen ! 

Wal. Impossible ! 

True. Impossible ! Most possible of things — 
If thou'rt in love ! Where merit lies itself, 
What matters it to want the name, which, v/eighed, 
Ts not the worth of so much breath as it takes 
To utter it ! " If but from Nat.ire's hand, 



10 THE LOVE CHASE. [ Kct » 

" She is all you could expect of gentle dIc td, 

** Face, form, mien, speech ; with these, what to 1 lelong 

*• To lady more behoves — thoughts delicate, 

"Affections generous, and modesty — 

" Perfectionating, brightening crown of all ! — 

''If she hath these — true titles to thy heart — 

** What doth she lack that's title to thy hand ] 

*" The name of lady, which is none of these, 

" But may belong without 1" Thou might'st do worse 

Than marry her ! Thou would'st, undoing her ! 

Yea, by my mother's name, a shameful act, 

Most shamefully performed ! 

Wal. [Starting up and drawing, R. c.) Sir ! 
Nev. [And the others interposing, c.) Gentlemen ! 
True. (l. c.) All's right ! Sit down ! — I will not draw 
again. 
A word with you : — If — as a man — thou say'st, 
Upon thy honour, I have spoken wrong, 
I'll ask thy pardon — though I never hold 
Communion with thee more ! 

Wal. [After a pause, putting up his sword, R. c.) My 
sword is sheathed 1 
Wilt let me take thy hand ? 

True. (l. c.) 'Tis thine, good Sir, 
And faster than before — A fault confessed. 
Is a new virtue added to a man ! 
" Yet let me own some blame was mine. A truth 
" May be too harshly told" — but 'tis a theme 
I am tender on — 1 had a sister. Sir — 
You understand me ! — 'Twas my happiness 
To own her once — 1 would forget her now !-— 
I have forgotten ! — I know not if she lives ! — 
Things of such strain as we were speaking of. 
Spite of myself, remind me of her ! — So ! — 
JVey. Sit down ! Let's have more wine. 
Wild, (l.) Not so, good Sirs. 
Partaking of your hospitality, 
I have overlooked good friends I came to visit, 
And who have late become sojourners here — 
Old country friends and neighbors, and with whom 
I e'en take up my quarters. Master Trueworth, 
Bear witness for me. 



SCEKE III.] 



THE LOVE CH/iSE 11 



True. It is even so : 
Sir \yilliam Fondlove and his charir.ing daughtei. 

Wild. Ay, neighbour Constance, Charming, does he 
say] 
Yes, neighbour Constance is a charming girl 
To those that do not know her. If she plies me 
As hard as was her custom in the country, 
I should not wonder, though this very day 
I seek tne home I quitted for a month ! [Aside, R, 

Go»d even, gentlemen. [Grosses, l., going out. 

Hum. Nay, if you go, 
We all break up, and sally forth together. 

Wal. (r. c.) Be it so — Your hand again, good Master 
Trueworth ! 
I am sorry I did pain you 

True, (c.) It is thine, Sir. \They go out, l 

Scene III. — Sir William Fondlove" s House. — A Room. 

Enter Sir William, r. 

Sir W. At sixty-two, to be in leading strings. 
Is an old child — and with a daughter, too ! 
Her mother held me ne'er in check so strait 
As she. I must not go but where she likes, 
Nor see but whom she likes, do anything 
But what she likes ! — A slut, bare twenty- one ! 
Nor minces she commands ! — A brigadier 
More coolly doth not give his orders out 
Than she ! Her waiting maid is aid-de-camp ; 
My steward adjutant ; my lacqueys sergeants ; 
That bring me her high pleasure how I march 
And counter-march — when I'm on duty — when 
I'm off — when suits it not to tell it me 
Herself — " Sir William, thus my mistress says !" 
As saying it were enongh — no will of mine 
Consulted ! I will marry. Must 1 serve, 
Better a wife, my mistress, than a daughter ! 
And yet the vixen says, if I do marry, 
I'll find she'll rule my wife as well as me ! 

Enter Trueworth, l. 
Ah, Master Trueworth 1 Welcome, Master Trueworth I 



|2 THE LOVE CHASE. 



tAci-l 



Tnic. Thanks, Sir ; I am glad to see you look so well ! 

S?> W. Ah, Master Trueworth, when one turns the hill, 
'Tis rapid going down ! We climb by steps ; 
By strides, we reach the bottom. Look at me, 
And guess my age. 

True. Turned fifty. 

Sij- JV. Ten years more ! 
How marvellously well I wear ! I think 
iTou would not flatter me ! — But scan me close, 
And pryingly, as one who seeks a thing 
He means to find — What signs of age dost see 1 

T?-ue. None ! 

Si?' W. None about the corners of the eyes 1 
Lines that diverge like to the spider's joists, 
Whereon he builds his airy fortalice 1 
They call them crow's feet — has the ugly bird 
Been perching there ? — Eh ? — Well ? 

True. There's something like, 
But not what one must see, unless he's blind 
Like steeple on a hill. 

Sir W. [After a pause] Your eyes are good ! 
I am certainly a wonder for my age ; 
I walk as well as ever ! Do J. stoop 1 

T?ue. A plummet froi« your head would find your heel 

Sir W. It is my make — my make, good Master True- 
worth ; 
1 do not study it. Do you observe 
The hollow in my back 1 That's natural. 
As now I stand, so stood I when a cbild, 
A rosy, chubby boy ! — I am youthful to 
A miracle ! My arm is firm as 'twas 
At twenty. Feel it ! 

True. [Feeling 7iis arm.] It is deal \ 

Sir W. Oak— oak. 
Isn't it, Master Trueworth ? Thou hast knov( n me 
Ten years and upwards. Think'st my leg is .shrunk! 

True. No. 

Sir W. No ! not in the calf 1 

True. As big a calf 
As ever. 

Sir W. Thank you, thank you— I believe it ! 
When others waste 'tis growing time with nne S 



ScfiNfi III.] 



THE LoVE CHASE. 13 



I feel ir, Master Trueworth ! Vigour, Sir, 

In every joint of me ! — could run ! could leap ! 

Why shouldn't I marry ] Knife and fork I play 

Better than many a boy of twenty-five — 

AVhy shouldn't I marry ] If they come to vi^ine, 

My brace of bottles can I carry home, 

And ne'er a headache. Death ! w^hy shouldn't I marry 1 

True. I see in nature no impediment. 

Sir W. Impediment ? she's all appliances ! — 
And fortune's with me, too ! The Widow Green 
Gl-ives hints to me ! The pleasant Widow Green ! 
Whose fortieth year, instead of autumn, brings 
A second Summer in. Odds boddikins, 
How young she looks ! What life is in her eyes ! 
What ease is -in her gait ! while, as she walks, 
Her waist, still tapering, takes it pliantly ! 
How lollingly she bears her head withal : 
On this side now — -now that ! When enters she 
A drawing-room, what worlds of gracious things 
Her courtesy says ! — she sinks with such a sway, 
Greeting on either hand the company. 
Then slowly rises to her state again ! 
She is the empress of the card-table ! 
Her hand and arm ! — Gods, did you see her deal — ■ 
With curved and pliant wrist dispense the pack. 
Which at the touch of her fair fingers fly ! 
How soft she speaks — how very soft ! Her voice 
Comes melting- from her round and swelling throat, 
Reminding you of sweetest, mellowest things- 
Plums, peaches, apricots and nectarines^ 
Whose bloom is poor to paint her cheeks and lips. 
By Jove, I'll marry ! \Crouts, i 

True. You forget. Sir William, 
I do not know the lady. 

Sir W. Great your loss. 
By all the Gods, I'll marry .'—But my daughter 
Must needs be marriei first. She rules my house; 
Would rule it still, and will not have me wed. 
A clever, handsome, darling, forward minx ! 
When I became a widower, the reins 
Her moth(3r dropped she caught,— a hoyden girl ; 
NiOi since woulJ e'er give up, hovve'er I strove 



14 THE LOVE CHASE [Act I 

To coax or catch them from her. One way still 

Or t'other, she w ould keep them — laugh, pout, plead ; 

Now vanquish me with water, now with fire ; 

Would box my face, and, ere I well could ope 

My mouth to chide her, stop it with a kiss ! 

The monkey ! what a plague she's to me ! — How 

I love her ! how I love the Widow Green ! [Crosses, n. 

True. Then marry her ! 

Sir W. I tell thee, first of all 
Must needs my daughter marry. — See I not 
A hope of that ; she naught affects the sex : 
Comes suitor after suitor — all in vain. 
Fast as they bow, she courtesies, and says '* Nay!" 
Or she, a woman, lacks a woman's heart, 
Or hath a special taste which none can hit. • 

True. Or taste, perhaps, which is already hit. 

Sir W. Eh !— how ? 

True. Remember you no country friend. 
Companion of her walks — her squire to church, 
Her beau whenever she went visiting — 
Before she came to town 1 

Sir,W. No! 

True. None 1 — art sure 1 
No playmate when she was a girl 1 

Sir W. Oh ! ay ! 
That Master Wildrake I did pray thee go 
And wait for at the Inn, bat had forgotten. 
Is he come ] 

True. And in the house. — Some friends that met biaa. 
As he alighted, laid strong hands upon him 
And made him stop for dinner. We had else 
Been earlier with you. 

Sir W. Ha ! I am glad he's come. 

True. She may be smit with him. 

Sir W. As cat with dog ! 

True. He heard her voice as we did mount the ^staira* 
And darted straight to join her. 

Sir JV. You shall see 
What wondrous calm and harmony take place. 
When fire meets gunpowder ! 

Con. [ Without, r.) Who sent for you 1 
What made you come ? 



fctWE III.] THE LOVE CHASE. 15 

Wild. [ Without, R.) To see the town, not you !— » 
A kiss ! 

Con. I vow I'll not. 

Wild. I swear you Bhall. 

Con. A saucy cub ! I vow, I had as lievn 
Y^our whipper-in had kissed me ! 

Sir W. Do you hear % 

True. I do. Most pleasing discords ! 

^ Enter Constance and Wildrake, k. 

Con. Father, speak 
To neighbour Wildrake. 

Sir W. Very glad to see him. 

Wild. I thank you, good Sir William ! Give you joy 
Of your good looks ! 

Con. What, Phcebe !— Phoebe !— Phoebe ! 

Sir W. What want'st thou with thy lap-dog ? 

Con. Only, Sir, 
To welcome neighbor Wildrake ! W^hat a figure 
To shew himself in town ! 

Sir \V. Wilt hold thy peace 1 

Con. Yes j if you'll lesson me to hold my laughter. 
Wildrake ! 

Wild. Well] 

Con. Let me walk thee in the Park — 
How they would stare at thee ! 

Sir W. Wilt ne'er give o'er ? 

Wild. Nay, let her have her way- — I heed her not! 
Though to more courteous welcome I have right ; 
Although I am neighbour Wildrake ! Reason is reason I 

Con. And right is right ! so welcome, neighbour Wild- 
rake, 
I am very, very, very glad to see you ! 
Come, for a quarter of an hour, we'll e'en 
Agree together ! — How do your horses, neigh" 'cur 1 

Wild. Pshaw! 

Con. And your dogs ? 

Wild. Pshaw ! 

Con. Whipper-in and huntsman 1 

Sir W. Converse of things thou know'st to talk about 

Con. And keep him silent, father, when I know 
He cannot talk of any other things 1 



(^ Tilt ho aSE. CAcT I 

How does thy hunter '{ What a sorry trick 

He played ihee t'other day, to balk his leap, 

And throw thee, neighbour! Did he balk the leip 1 

Confess ! You sportsmen never are to blame ! 

Say you are fowlers, 'tis your dog's in fault ; 

Say you are anglers, 'tis your tackle's wrong ; 

Say you are hunters, why, the honest horse 

That bears your weight, must bear your blunders, too t 

Why, whither go you 1 

Wild. Any where from thee. 

Con. With me, you mean. 

Wild. I mean it not. 

Con. You do ! 
I'll give you fifty reasons for't — and first. 
Where you go, neighbour, I'll go ! 

[Thi'i/ go out, L. — Wild, pettishly, Consia?ice laugh' tg 

Sir W. Do you mark 1 
Much love is there ! 

Tntc. Indeed, a heap, or none. 
I'd wager on the heap ! 

Sir W. Ay ! — Do you think 
These discords, as in the musician's art, 
Are subtle servitors to harmony 1 
That all this war's for peace ? This wrangling but 
A masquerade, where love his roguish face 
Conceals beneath an ugly visor ! — Well 1 

True. Your guess and my conceit are not a mile 
Apart. " Unlike to other common flowers, 
" The flower of love shows various in the bud, 
" 'Twill look a thistle, and 'twill blow a rose !" 
And with your leave, I'll put it to the test ; 
Affect myself, for thy fair daughter, love — 
Make him my confidant — dilate to him 
Upon the graces of her heart and mind. 
Feature and form — that well may comment bear—* 
Till—" like the practised connoisseur, who finds 
•' A gem of art out in a household picture 
" The unskilled owner held so cheap, he grudged 
" Renewal of the chipped and tarnished frame, 
•But values now as priceless — " I arouse him 
Into a quick sense of the worth" of that 
'•'* Whose merit hithci-to from lack of skill. 



0C£ME III.] 



THE LOVE CH. SE. 1? 



" Or dulling habit of acquaintanceship," 
He has not been awake to. 

Con. [ Without, c. d.] Neighbour Wildrake ! 

iSiV W. Hither they come. I fancy well thy earae ! 
Oh, to be free to marry Widow Green ! 
I'll call her hence anon — then ply him well. \Goes out, R 

Wild. \ Without.] Nay, neighbour Constance ! 

True. He's high in storm. 

Ente) WiLDRAKE and Constance, l. d. 

m 

Wild. To Lincolnshire, I tell thee. 

Con. Lincolnshire ! 
What, prithee, takes thee off to Lincolnshire. 

Wild. Too great delight in thy fair company. 

True. Nay, Master Wildrake, why away so soon % 
You *re scarce a day in town ! — " Extremes like this, 
" And starts of purpose, are the signs 'tis love, 
" Though immatured as yet. \Aside* 

Con. He's long enough 
In town ! What should he here ] He's lost in town : 
No man is he for concerts, balls or routs ! 
No game he knows at cards, save rare Pope Joan ! 
He ne'er could master dance beyond a jig ; 
And as for music, nothing to compare 
To the melodious yelping of a hound, 
Except the braying of his huntsman's horn ! 
Ask him, to stay in town ! 

8ir W. [without, r.) Hoa, Constance ! 

Con. Sir ! — 
Neighbour, a pleasant ride to Lincolnshire ! 
Good bye ! 

Si: W. [tvithout, R.) Wl y, Constance i 

Con. Coming, Sir! Shaite hands! 
Neighbour, good bye ! Don't look so wo-begone ; 
*Tis but a two-days' ride, and thou wilt see 
Rover, and Spot, and Nettle, and the rest 
Of thy dear country friends ! 

Sir W. [ivithout, r.) Constance ! I say. 

Con. Anon ! — Commend me to the gentle souls. 
And pat them for me ! — Will you, neighbour Wildrake f 

Sir W. without, r.) Why, Constance ! Constance ! 

Con. I:; a moment, Sir ! 



18 THE LOVE CHASE. 



[Act II. 



Good bye ! — I'd cry, dear nei^.hbour, if I could ! 

Good bye ! — a pleasant day, when next you hunt ! 

And, prithee, mind thy horse don't balk his leap ! 

jrood b;'e — and, after dinner, drink ray health ! 

" A bumper, Sii's, to neighbour Constance !" — Do ! — 

And give it vi^ith a speech, wherein unfold 

My many graces, more accomplishments, 

And virtues topping either — in a word, 

How I'm the fairest, kindest, best of neighbours ! 

[They go out severally. — Triieworth trying to pacify 
Wildrake, l. — Constance laughing, r. 

END OF ACT I. 



AC T II. 

Scene I. — A Room in Sir William's House. 
Enter Trueworth and Wildrake, r. 

Wild. Nay, Master Trueworth, I must needs be gone ! 
She ti'eats me worse and woi'se ! I am a stock, 
That words have none to pay her. For her sake, 
I quit the town to-day. I like a jest, 
But hers are jests past bearing. I am her butt 
She nothing does but practise on ! A plague ! — 
Fly her shafts ever your way ? 

True. Would they did ! 

Wild. Art mad 1 — or wishest she should -Irive thee so 1 

True. Thou know'st her not. 

Wild. I know not neighbour Constance 1 
Then know 1 not myself, or anything 
Which as myself I know ! 

T?-ue. Heigh ho ! 

Wild. Heigh ho ! 
Why, what a burden that for a man's song ! 
'Twould fit a maiden that was sick for love. 
Heigh ho ! Come, ride with me to Lincolnshire, 
And turn thy " heigh ho !" into " hilly ho !" 

True, Nay, rather tarry thou in town with me. 
Men sometimes find a friend's hand of avail. 
When useless proves their own Wilt ^end me thine 3 



ACKNE I.) 



THE LOVE CHASE. 19 



Wild Or may my horse break down in a steeple ciase I 

True. A steeple chase ! What made the(j think of that ? 
I'm for the steeple — not to riae a race 
Only to get there ! — not alone, in sooth ; 
But in fiiir company ! 

Wild. Thou'rt not in love ! 

True. Heigh ho ! 

Wild. Thou wouldst not marry ! 

True. With your help. 

IVild. And whom, I prithee ? 

True. Gentle mistress Constance ! 

Wild. What ! — neighbour Constance ] — Never did I 
dream 
That mortal man would fall in love with her. [Aside. 

In love with neighbour Constance 1 — I feel strange 
At thought that she should marry ! — [ J.5^(ie.J Go to church 
With neighbour Constance ! That's a steeple chase 
I never thought of. I feel very strange ; 
What seest in neighbour Constance ? 

True. Lovers' eyes 
See with a vision proper to themselves, 
Yet thousand eyes will vouch what mine affirm. 
First, then, I see in her the mould express 
Of woman — stature, feature, body, limb — 
Breathing the gentle sex we value most. 
When most 'tis at antipodes with ours ! 

Wild. You mean that neig' hour Constance is a woman 
Why, yes ; she is a woman, certainly. 

True. So much for person. Now for her complexiom. 
What shall we liken to her dainty skin ] 
Her arm, for instance ] — 

Wild. Snow will match it. 

True. Snow ! — 
It is her arm without the smoothness on't . 
Then is not snow transparent. 'Twill not do. 

Wild. A pearl's transparent ! 

True. So it is, but yet 
Yields not elastic to the thrilled touch ! 
I know not what to liken to her arm. 
Except its beauteous fellow ! Oh, to be 
The chosen friend of two such neighbouia ! 

Wild Would 



20 THE LOVE CHASE. 



[Act II. 



His tongue would made a halt. He makes too free 
With neighbour Constance ! Can't he let her arms 
Alone ! I trust their chosen friend 
Will ne'er be he ! I'm vexed. [Asidf 

True. But graceful things 
Grow doubly graceful in the graceful use ! 
Hast marked her ever walk the drawing-room ? 

JVild. [Snappishly.] No. 

True. No ! Why, where have been your eyes 1 

Wild. In my head ! 
Rut I begin to doubt if open yet. [Aside. 

True. Yet that's a trifle to the dance : down which 
She floats as though she were a form of air ; 
" The ground feels not her foot, or tells not on't ; 
" Her movements are the painting of the strain, 
" Its swell, its fall, its mirth, its tenderness ! 
" Then is she fifty Constances ! each moment 
" Another one, and each, except its fellow, 
" Without a peer!" You have danced with herl 

Wild. I hate 
To dance ! I can't endure to dance ! [Crosses h.] Ofcourflu 
You have danced with her 1 

True. I have. 

Wild. You have 1 

True. I have. 

Wild. I do abominate to dance ! — Could carve 
Fiddlers and company ! A dancing man, 
To me, was ever like a dancing dog ! 
jave less to be endured ! — Ne'er saw I one, 
f3ut I bethought me of the master's whip. 

True. A man might bear the whip to dance with her ! 

Wild. Not if I had the laying of it on I 

True. Well ; let that pass. The lady is the theme. 

Wild. Yes; make an end of it ! — I'm sick of it. [Aside 

True. How well she plays the harpsichord and harj) ' 
How well she sings to them ! Who'er would prove 
The power of song, should hear thy neighbour sing, 
Especially a love song ! 

Wild. Does she sin (J 
Such songs to thee ] 

True. Oh, yes, and constantly ! 
For srich I ever ask her. 



SCENB I.] THR LOV£ CHASE. 2 J 

Wild. Forward minx ! [Aside 

Maids should not sing love songs to gentlemeu f 
Think'st neighbour Constance is a girl to love 1 

True. A girl to love 1 — Ay, and with all her soul \ 

Wild. How know you that ? 

True. I have studied close the sex. 

Wild. You town-rakes are the devil for the sex ! [AsicU 

True. Not your most sensitive and serious* maid 
I'd always take for deep impressions. " Mmd 
*' The adage of the bow. The pensive brow 
" I 'vfi oft seen bright in wedlock, and anon 
" O'ercast in widowhood ; then bright again, 
" Ere half the season of the weeds was out. 
" While, in the airy one, I've known one cloud 
" Forerunner of a gloom that ne'er cleared up — 
" So it would prove with neighbour Constance. Not 
" On superficial ground she'll ever love ; 
' But once she does, the odds are ten to one," 
Ber first love is her last ! 

Wild. I wish I ne'er 
Had come to town ! I was a happy man 
Among my dogs and horses. [Aside. Hast thou broke 
Thy passion to her 1 

True. Never. 

Wild. Never? 

True. No. 
I hoped you'd act my proxy there. 

Wild. I thank you. 

True. I knew 'twould be a pleasure to you. 

Wild. Yes ; 
A pleasure ! — an unutterable pleasure ! 

True. Thank you ! You make my happiness youi own 

[Crosses, l. 

Wild. I do. 

True. I see you do. Dear Master Wildrake ! 
Oh, what a blessing is a friend in need, 
You'll go and court your neighbour for me 1 

Wild. Yes. 

True. And says she " nay" at first, you'll press again \ 

Wild. Ay, and again ! 

T'rue. There's one thing I mistrust — yea, most mistrust, 
That of my poor deserts you'll make too mur.l\t 



% THE LOVE CHASE tActt 

Wild. Fear anything but that. 

True, 'Twere better far, 
You slightly spoke of them. 

Wild, You think so l 

True. Yes, 
Or rather did not speak of them at all. 

Wild. You think so 1 

IVue. Yes." 

Wild. Then I'll not say a word 
About them. 

True. Thank you ! " A judicious friend 
" Is better than a zealous. — You are both ! 
•' I see you'll plead my cause as 'twere your own j 
" Then stay in town and win your neighbour for me, 
" Make me the envy of a score of men 
" That die for her as I do." — Make her mine, 
And when the last " Amen !" declares complete 
The mystic tying of the holy knot, 
And 'fore the priest a blushing wife she stands, 
Be thina the right to claim the second kiss 
She pays for change from maidenhood to wifehood. 

[Goes out, L, 

Wild. Take that thyself! The first be mine, or none •' 
A man in love with neighbour Constance ! — Never 
Dreamed I that such a thing could come to pass ! 
Such person, such endowments, such a soul ! 
I never thought to ask myself before 
If she were man or woman ! Suitors, too. 
Dying for her ! I'll e'en make one among 'em ! 
Woo her to go to church along with him, 
And for my pains, the privilege to take 
The second kiss 1 I'll take the second kiss, 
And first one, too — and last ! No man shall touch 
Her lips but me. I'll massacre the man 
That looks upon her ! Yet what chance have I 
With lovers of the town, whose study 'tis 
To please your lady belles ! — who dress, walk, talk. 
To hit their tastes — what chance, a country squire 
Like me 1 Yet your true fair, I 've heard, prefers 
The man before his coat at any time, 
And such a one must neighbour Constance oe. 
I'll show a limb with any of them ! Silks 



B'jxht. 1 J '""t t.OVF, CHASE 23 

ril wear, nor keep my legs in cases more. 
I'll learn to dance town-dances, and frequent 
Their concerts ! Die away at melting strains 
Or seem to do so — far the easier thing, 
And as effective, quite ; leave naught undone 
To conquer neighbour Constance. 

Enter Lash, l. 

Las7i. Sir. 

Wild. Well, sir. 

LasJi. So please you, sir, your horse is at the door 

Wild. Unsaddle him again, and put him up. 
And, hark you, get a tailor for me, sir — 
The rarest can be found. 

hasJi. The man's below, sir. 
That owns the mare your worship thought to buy 

Wild. Tell him I do not want her, sir. 

Lash. I vow, 
Vou will not find her like in Lincolnshire 

Wild. Go to ! She's spavined. 

JLash. Sir ! 

Wild. Touched in the wind. 

Lash. I trust my master be not touched in the head ! 
I vow, a faultless beast ! [Aside- 

Wild. I want her not. 
And that's your answer — Go to the hosier's, sir. 
And bid him send me samples of his gear, 
Of twenty different kinds. 

Lash. I will, sir. — Sir ! 

Wild. Well, sir. 

Lash. Squire Brush's huntsman's here, and says 
His master's kennel is for sale. 

Wild. The dogs 
Are only fit for hanging ! 

Lash. Finer bred — 

Wild. Sirrah, if more to me thou talk'st of dogs. 
Horses, or aught that to thy craft belongs, 
Thou may'st go hang for me ! — A cordwainer 
Go fetch me straight — the choicest in the town. 
Away, sir! Do thy errands smart and well, 
As thou canst crack thy whip ! — [Exit Lash, L ] — Deai! 

neighbour Constance, 
'11 give up horses, dogs, and all, for thee 1 [Exit, B. 



84 THK 1.0'^'i.; CHASE. 

Scene II. — Toilettc-tahle, Sofa, Sfc, discovered. 
Enter Widow Green and Lydja, r. 

Widow G. Lydia, my gloves. If Mastci- Waller calls, 
[ shall be in at three ; and say the same 
To old Sir William Fondlove. Tarry yet ! — 
What piogress, think you, make I in the heart 
Of fair young Master Waller ? Gods, my girl, 
It is a heart to win and man as well ! 
How speed I, think you ? Didst, as I desired, 
Detain him in my absence when he called, 
And, without seeming, sound him touching me ? 

Lydia. (l. c.) Yes. 

Widow G, And affects he me, or not 1 How guesa 
you ] 
What said he of me 1 Looked he balked, or not, 
To find me not at home 1 Inquired he, when 
I would be back, as much he longed to see me ? 
What did he — said he 1 Come ! — Is he in love, 
Or like to fall into it 1 Goes well my game, 
Or shall I have my labour for my pains ? 

Lydia. I think he is in love. — Oh, poor evasion ! 
Oh, to love truth, and yet not dare to speak it ! [Asid*. 

Widow G. You think he is in love. I'm sure of it, 
As well have asked you has he eyes and ears. 
And brain and heart to use them ? Maids do throw 
Trick after trick away, but widows know 
To play their cards ! How am I looking, Lydia? 

Lydia. E'en as you ever look. 

Widow G. Handsome, my girl 1 
Eh ? Clear in my complexion ? Eh? — brimful 
Of spirits % not too much of me, nor yet 
Too little % — Eh ? — A woman worth a man ? 
" Look at me, Lydia ! Would you credit, girl, 
" I was a scare-crow before marriage 1 

" Lydia. Nay ! — 

Widow G, "Girl, but I tell thee, 'yea.' That gown 
of thine — 
" And thou art slender — would have hung about me ! 
" There's something of me now ! good sooth, enough V 
Lydia, I'm quite contented with myself; 
I'm just the thing, methinks, a widow should be. 



bOIWE m THE I OVE ClUSii: 26 

So Master Waller, you believe, affects me 1 
But, Lydia, not enough to hook the fish; 
To prove the angler's skill, it must be caught ; 
And lovers, Lydia, like the angler's prey — 
Which, vv^hen he draws it near the landing place, 
Takes warning, and runs out the slender line, 
And with a spring perchance jerks off the hold — 
When we do fish for them, aud hook, and think 
They are all but in the creel, will make the dart 
Tliat sets them free to roam the flood again ! 

Lydia. Is't so 1 

'Widoio G. Thou'lt find it so, or better luck 
Than many another maid ! Now mark me, Lydia ; 
Sir William Fondlove fancies me. 'Tis well ! 
I do not fancy him ! What should I do 
With an old man % — Attend upon the gout. 
Or the rheumatics ! Wrap me in the cloud 
Of a darkened chamber — 'stead of shining out, 
The sun of halls, and routs, and gala days ! 
But he affects me, Lydia ; so he may ! 
Now take a lesson from me — Jealousy 
Had better go with open, naked breast. 
Than pin or button with a gem — Less plague, 
The plague spot : that doth speedy make an end 
One way or t'other, girl — Yet never love 
Was warm without a spice of jealousy. 
Thy lesson now — Sir William Fondlove's rich, 
And riches, though they're paste, yet, being many, 
The jewel love we often cast away for. 
I use him but for Master Waller's sake. 
Dost like my policy ] 

Lydia. You will not chide me ] 

Widoio G. Nay, Lydia, I do like to hear thy thougnt^ 
They are such novel things — plants that do thrive 
With country air ! I marvel still they flower, 
And thou so long in town ! Speak freely, girl ! 

Lydia. I cannot think love thrives by artifice, 
Or can disguise its mood, and show its face, 
I would not hide one portion of my heart, 
Where I did give it, and did feel 'twas right, 
Noi feign a wish, to mask a wish that was, 
Howe'er to keep u. For no cause except 



26 THE LOVE CHASE. fAcTli 

Myself would I be loved. What wer't Ic me 

My lover valued rr.e the more, the more 

He saw me comely in another's eyes, 

Whsn his alone the vision I would show 

Becoming to 1 I have sought the reason oft, 

They paint Love as a child, and still have thought, 

It was because true love, like infancy, 

Frank, trusting, unobservant of its mood. 

Doth show its wish at once, and means no more ! 

Widow G. Thou'lt find out better when thy time flotr 
come. 
Now would'st believe I love not Master Waller ? 
I never knew what love was, Lydia ; 
That is, as your romancers have it. First, 
I married for a fortune. Having that. 
And being freed from him that brought it me, 
I marry now, to please my vanity, 
A man that is the fashion. Oh, the deli^jht 
Of a sensation, and yourself the cause ! 
To note the stir of eyes, and ears, and tongues, 
When they do usher Mistress Waller m. 
Late Widow Green, her hand upon tl'<3 arm 
Of her young handsome husband ! Itow my fan 
Will be in requisition — I do feel 
•My heait begin to flutter now — my blood 
To mount into ray cheek ! My hon-dy-moon 
Will be a month of triumphs ! — " Mistress Waller !" 
That name, for which a score of damsels sigh. 
And but the widow had the wit to win ! 
Why, it will be the talk of East and West, 
And North and South ! — The children loved the man 
And lost him so — I liked, but there T stopped ; 
For what is it to love, but mind, and heart, 
And soul upon another to depend '? 
Depend upon another ! — Nothing be 
But what another wills ! Give up the rights 
Of mine own brain and heart ! — I thi^nk my stirs 
I never came to that extremity ! [Exit, L. 

Lydia. She never loved, indeed !— -She kno\'--3 not love. 
Except what's told of it ! — She never felt it. 
To stem a torrent, easy, looking at it ; 
!^u't once you Vf^uture in, you notliing know 



Betv* III 1 



THE [,OVE CHASE. 2? 



Except the speed with vvhic?: you're boi'i.e away, 

Howe'er you strive to check it. She suspects not 

Her maid, not she, biings Master Waller hither. 

Nor dare I undeceive her Well might she say 

Her young and handsome nusband ' Yet his face 

And person are the least of him, aNa vanish 

When shines His soul out through his open eye ! 

He all but says he loves me ! — His respect 

Has vanquished me ! He looks the will to speak 

His passion, and, the fear that ties his tongue — 

The fear 1 — He loves not honestly ! — and yet 

I'll swear he loves ! — I'll swear he honours me ! 

It is but my condition is a bar, 

Denies him give me all. But knew he me. 

As I do know myself! — Whate'er his purpose. 

When next we speak, he shall declare it to me. [Exit, e 

Scene III. — Sir WilUatn Fondlove's. 
Enter Constance, dressed for riding, and Ph(ebe, r. 

Con. Well, Phoebe, would you know me ] Are those 
locks 

That cluster on ray forehead and my cheek. 

Sufficient mask ? Show I what I would seem, 

A lady for the chase '] My darkened brows 

And heightened colour, foreign to my face, 

Do they my face pass off for stranger, too ? 

What think you 1 

Phoebe. That he'll ne'er discover you. 

Con. Then send him to me — say a lady wants 

To speak with him — unless indeed it be 

A man in lady's gear — I look so bold, 

And speak so gruff! — Away ! [Exit Phcehc, R.l That . 
am glad 

He stays in town, I own ; but if I am, 

'Tis only for the tricks I'll play upon him ; 

And now beo;in — persuading him his fame 

Hath made me fancy him, and brought me hithei 

On visit to his worship. Soft ! his foot ! 

This he ] — Why, what has metamorphosed him, 

And changed my sportsman to fine gentleman ■? 

Well he becomes his clothes ! — But I must check ray won- 
der. 



% THE LOVE CHASE. [Ac» £» 

Lest 1 forget myself — Why, what an air 
The fellow hatii ! — A man to set a cap at ! 

Enter Wildrake, r. 

fVild. Kind lady, I attend your fair commarids. 

Con. " My veiled face denies me justice, sir, 
■* Else would you see a maiden's blushing cheek 
" Do penance for her forwai'dness, too lato, 
" I own, repented of. Yet, if 'tis true, 
" By our own hearts of otheis we may judge, 
" Mine in no peril lies, that's shown to you, 
" Whose heart, I'm sure, is noble." Worthy sir, 
Souls attract souls, when they're of kindred vein. 
The life that you love, I love. Well I know, 
'Mongst those who breast the feats of the bold chasto 
You stand without a peer ; and for myself, 
I dare avow, 'mong such none follows them 
With heartier glee than I do. 

Wild. Churl were he 
That would gainsay you, madam ! 

Con. \Courtesymg.\ What delight 
To back the flying steed, that challenges 
The wind for speed ! — seems native more of air 
Than earth ! — whose burden only lends him fire { 
Whose soul, in his task, turns labour into sport ! 
Who makes your pastime his ! I sit him now ! 
He takes away my breath ! — He makes me reel 
1 touch not earth — I see not — hear not — All 
Is ecstacy of motion ! 

Wild. You are used, 
I see, to the chase. 

Con. I am. Sir ! Then the leap ! 
To see the saucy barrier, and know 
The mettle that can clear it. Then your time 
To prove you master of the manage. Now 
You keep him well together for a space, 
Both horse and rider braced as you were one, 
Scanning the distance — then you give him reia, 
And let him fly at it, and o'er he gc.es, 
Light as a bird on wing. 

W ild. Twere a bold leap, 
I see, that turned you, madam 



BCERE HI.] 



THE LOVE CHASE 29 



Con. [Courtcsyuig.] Sir, you're good ! 
And then the hounds, sir ! Nothing I admire 
Beyond the running of the well-trained pack. 
The training's everything ! Keen on the scent ! 
At fault none losing heart ! — but all at work ! 
None leaving his task to another ! — answering 
The watchful huntsman's caution, check, or cheer, 
As steed his rider's rein ! Away they go ! 
How close they keep together ! — What a pack ! 
Nor turn, nor ditch, nor stream divides them — as 
They^inoved with one intelligence, act, will ! 
And then the concert they keep up ! — enough 
To make one tenant of the merry wood. 
To list their jocund music ! 

Wild. You describe 
The huntsman's pastime to the life ! 

Con. I love it ! 
To wood and glen, hamlet and town, it is 
A laughing holiday ! — Not a hill-top 
But's then alive ! — Footmen with horsemen vie„ 
All earth's astir, roused with the revelry 
Of vigor, health, and joy ! Cheer awakes chep , 
While Echo's mimic tongue, that never tires, 
Keeps up the hearty din ! Each face is then 
Its neighbour's glass — where gladness sees itself 
And, at the bright reflection, grows more glad ! 
Breaks into tenfold mirth ! — laughs like a child I 
Would make a gift of its heart, it is so free ! 
Would scarce accept a kingdom, 'tis so rich ! 
Shakes hands with all, and vows it never knew 
That life was life before ! [Cresses, L, 

Wild. Nay, every way 
You do fair justice, lady, to the chase ; 
Jjut fancies change. 

Con. Such fancy is not mine. 

Wild. I would it were not mine, for your fair sake. 
I have quite given o'er the chase. 

Con. You say not so ! 

Wild. Forsworn, indeed, the sportsmar.'s life, and 
grown. 
As you may partly see, town gentleman. 
I care not new to mount a steed, unless 



30 THE LOVE CHASE. [Act il 

To amble 'long the street ; no paces mind, 

Except my own, to walk the drawing-roona, 

Or in the ball-room to come off with grace : 

No leap for me, to match the light coupe j 

No music like the violin and harp, 

To which the huntsman's dog and horn, I find, 

Are somewhat coarse and homely minstrelsy : 

Then fields of ill-dressed rustics, you'll confess. 

Are well exchanged for rooms of beaux and belles ; 

In short, I've ta'en another thought of life — 

Become another man ! 

Con. The cause, I pray ? 

Wild. The cause of causes, lady. 

Con. He's in love. [Aside. 

Wild. To you, of women, I would name it last ; 
Yet your frank bearing merits like return : 
I that did hunt the game, am caught myself, 
In chase I never dreamed of! [Exit, a. 

Con. He is in love ! 
Wildrake's in love ! 'Tis that keeps him in town. 
Turns him from sportsman to town-gentleman. 
I never dreamed that he could be in love ! 
In love with whom ] — I'll find the vixen out ! 
What right has she to set her cap at him ? 
I warrant me, a forward artful minx ! 
I hate him worse than ever. — I'll do all 
I can to spoil the match. He'll never marry — 
Sure he will never marry ! He will have 
More sense than that ! " My back doth ope and sliut- 
" My temples throb and shoot — I 'm cold and hot!" 
Were he to marry, there would be an end 
To neighbour Constance — neighbour Wildrake — why 
I should not know myself! 

Enter Trueworth, l. 
Dear Master Trueworth, 

What think you ? — Neighbour Wildrake is in love ! 
In love ! — would you ))elieve it. Master Trueworth 1 
Ne'er heed my dress and looks, but answer me. 
Know'st thou of any lady he has seen. 
That's like to cozen him 1 

True. I am not sure — 
We talked to-day about the Widow Green ! 



•OEKE I. 



THE LOVE CHASE. 31 



Con. Her that my father fancies. — Let him wed her! 
Many her to-mori'ow — if he will, to-night. 
I can't spare neighbour Wildrake — neighbour "Wildrake ! 
Although I would not marry him myself, 
I could not bear that oth^r married him ! 
Go to my father — [Crosses, n.] 'tis a proper match ! 
He has my leave ! He's welcome to bring home 
The Widow Green. I'll give up house and all I 
She would be mad to marry neighbour Wildrake : 
He would wear out her patience — plague her to death, 
As ke does me. — She must not marry him ! 

[Exeunt Trueworth c, Constance, b 



END OP ACT 11. 



ACT III. 

Scene I. — A Room at Widow Greenes. 
Enter Lydia, r., Master W aj a, ^k following 

Wal. But thou shalt hear me, gentle Lydia. 
Sweet maiden, thou art frightened at thyself! 
Thy own perfections 'tis that talk to thee. 
Thy beauty rich ! — thy richer grace ! — thy mind, 
More rich again than that, though richest each ! 
Except for these, I had no tongue for thee, 
Eyes for thee ! — ears ! — had never followed thee!-— 
Had never loved thee, Lydia ! — Hear me ! — 

Lydia. Love 
Should seek its match. — No match am I for thee, 

Wal. Right ! Love should seek its match ; ai.d Jhat /b. 
love 
Or nothing ! Station — fortune — find their match 
In things resembling them. They are not love I 
Comes love (that subtle essence, without which 
Life were but leaden dullness ! — weainess ! 
A plodding trudger on a heavy road !) 
Comes it of title-deeds, which fools may boast ! 
Or coffei's, vilest hands may hold the keys of] 
Or that ethereal lanp that lights the eyes 



^3 THE LOVE CEASE. [Act 11. 

To shed their sparkling lustre o'er the face, 

Gi\es to the velvet skin its blushing glow, 

And burns as bright beneath the peasant's roof, 

As roof of palaced prince 1 Yes ! Love should seek 

Its match — then give my love its match in thine. 

Its match, which in thy gentle breast doth lodge 

So rich — so earthly, heavenly fair and rich. 

As monarchs have no thought of on their thrones, 

Which kingdoms do bear up. 

Lydia. Wast thou a monarch, 
Me wouldst thou make thy queen ? 

Wal. I would ! 

Lydia. What ! — Pass 
A princess by for me ! 

WaL I would. 

Lydia. Suppose 
Thy subjects would prevent thee I 

Wal. Then, in spite 
Of them ! 

Lydia. Suppose they were too strong for thee 1 

Wal. Why, then I'd give them up my throne — :;ontenl 
With that thou'dst yield me in thy gentle breast. 

Lydia. Can subjects do what monarchs do 1 

Wal. Far more ! 
Far less ! 

Lydia. Among those things, wer ^ more their powel 
Is marriage one ] 

Wal. Yes. 

Lydia. And no part of love, 
You say, is rank or wealth 1 

Wal. No part of love. 

Lydia. Is marriage part of love 1 

Wal. At times it is, 
At times is not. Men love and marry — love 
And marry not. 

Lydia. Then ha\e they not the power ; 
So must they hapless part with those they love^ 

Wal. Oh, no ! not part ! How could they love and 
part ] 

Lydia. How could they love, not part, not free to wed 1 

Wal. Alone in marriage doth not union lie ! 

Lydia. Alone where hands are free ! — Oh, yes — alone ! 



ScES» 1.] THE LOVE CHASE. 

Love that is ove, bestoweth all it can ! 

It is protection, if 'tis anything ; 

Which nothing in its object leaves exposed 

Its care can shelter. — Love that's free to wed, 

Not wedding, doth profane the name of love, 

Which is, on high authority to Earth's, 

(For Heaven did sit approving at its feast,) 

A holy thing ! — Why make you love to me ? 

Women whose hearts are free, by nature tender, 

Theft" fancies hit by those they are besought by, 

Do first impressions quickly — deeply take ; 

And, balked in their election, have been known 

^o droop a whole life through ! Gain for a maid 

A broken heart ! — to barter her young love, 

And find she changed it for a counterfeit ! [CrosseSi R 

Wal. If there is truth in man, I love thee ! — Hear me • 
In wedlock, families claim property, — 
Old notions, which we needs must humour often, 
Bai us to wed where we are forced to love ! 
Thou hear'st ] 

Lydia. I do. 

Wal. My family is r-''oud ; 
Our ancestor whose amis we bear, did win 
An earldom by his deeds. 'Tis not enough 
I please myself! — I must please others, who 
De?ert in wealth and station only see. 
Thou heai-'st 1 

Lydia. I do. 

Wal. I cannot marry thee, — 
And must I lose thee 1 — Do not turn away ! 
Without the altar I can honour thee ! 
Can cherish thee, nor swear it to the priest 
For more than life I love thee ! 

Lydia. Say thou hat'st me. 
And I'll believe thee. — Wherein differs love 
From hate, to do the work of hate — destroy ] 
Thy ancestor won title by his deeds ! 
Was one of them to teach an honest maid 
The deed of sin — first steal her love, and then 
Her virtue 1 If thy family is proud. 
Mine. Sir, is worthy ! If we are poor, the latk 
Of riches, Sir, is not the lack if shame ! 



34 THE toVE CHASE. [Ac* 111 

That I should act a part, would raise a blush, 

Nor fear to burn an honest brother's cheek ! 

Thou wouldst share a throne with me ! — Thou wouldst 

rob me of 
A. throne ! — reduce me from dominion to 
Base vassalage ! Pull off my crown for me, 
And give my forehead in its place a brand ! 
You have insulted me. — To show you. Sir, 
The heart you make so light of— -you are beloved- 
Bur, she that tells you so, tells you beside 
She ne'er beholds you more ! [Exit, r 

Wal. Stay, Lydia !— No ! — 
'Tis vain ! She is in virtue resolute. 
As she is bland and tender in affection. 
She is a miracle, beholding which. 
Wonder doth grow on wonder ! — " What a maid ! 
•' No mood but doth become her — yea, adorn her. 
" She turns unsightly anger into beauty ! 
" Sour scorn grows sweetness, touching her sweet lips I 
"And indignation, lighting on her brow, 
" Transforms to brightness, as the cloud to gold 
" That overhangs the sun ! I love her ! — -Ay ! 
" And all the throes of serious passion feel, 
" At thought of losing her !" — So my light love, 
Which but her person did at first affect. 
Her soul has metamorphosed — made a thing 
Of solid thoughts and wishes — I must have her ! 

E?iter Widow Green, l., unnoticed hy Waller, wJio conti 
nues abstracted, r. 

Widow G. (l. c.) V7hat ! — Master Waller, and contem 
plative ! 
Presumptive proof of love ! Of me he thinks ! 
Revolves the point, " to be or not to be !" 
" To be !" by all the triumphs of my sex ! 
There was a sigh ! My life upon't, that sigh. 
If construed, would translate " Dear Widow Green !" 

Wal. Enchanting woman ! [Takes the stage, ynusiTig* 

Widow G. That is I ! — most deep 
Abstraction, sure concomitant of love. 
Now could I see his busy fancy's painting, 
How .should I blush to gaze upon myself 



ScElfrl.) THE LOVE CHASE. 



35 



Wal. The matchless form of woman ! The chnce culling 
Of the aspiring artist, whose ambition 
Robs Nature to out-do her — the perfections 
Of her rare various workmanship combines 
To aggrandize his art at Nature's cost, 
And makes a paragon ! Crosses, R. 

Widow G. (l. c.) Gods ! how he draws me ! 
Soon as he sees me, at my feet he falls ! 
Good Master Waller ! (c.) 

Wal. (r. c.) Ha! The Widow Green ! 

Widow G. He is confounded ! — So am I. Oh, dear ! 
How catching is emotion. — He can't speak ! 
Oh, beautiful confusion ! Amiable 
Excess of modesty, with passion struggling ! 
Now comes he to declare himself, but wants . 
The courage. — I will help him. — Master Waller ! 

Enter Sir William Fondlove, l. 

Sir W. Dear Widow Green ! 

Widow G, (o.) Sir William Fondlove ! 

Wal. Thank 
My lucky stars ! [Aside, r., and retires up a little. 

Widow G. I would he had the gout, 
And kept his room ! [J.s/cZe.] — you're welcome, dear Sir 

William ! 
'Tis very, very kind of you to call. 
Sir William Fondlove — Master Waller. {TJiey advance a 

little.] Pray 
Be seated, gentlemen. He shall requite me 
For his untimely visit. Though the nail 
Be driven home, it may the clinching lack 
To make the hold complete ! For that I'll use him. 

[Aside — With ceremony they take chairs and sit. Wal- 
ler gets gradually away from the Widotv to the k. 
You are looking monstrous well, Sir William ! and 
No wonder. You're a mine c f happy spirits ! 
Some women talk of such and such a style 
Of features in a raan. — Give me good humour; 
That lights the homeliest visage up with beauty. 
And makes the face where beauty is already, 
Quite il resistible !* 

* The sides in this ecens may be rcvrrseil, if it would imprave the busiaea* 



36 THE LOVE CHASE. [Ac* 111 

Sif W. That's hitting hard, \ Aside. 

Dear Widow Green, don't say so ! On my life, 
You flatter me. — You almost make me blush. 

Widow G. I durst not turn to Master Waller n.?w, 
Nor need I.^-I can fancy how he looks ! 
1 warrant me he scowls on poor Sir William, 
As he could eat him up. — I will improve 
His discontent, and so make sure of him. \^Aside. 

I flatter you, Sir William 1 Oh, you men ! 
You men, that talk so meek, and all the while 
Do know so well your power ! Who would think 
You had a marriageable daughter ! Yon 
Did marry very young. 

Sir W. A boy ! — A boy. 
Who knew not his own mind. 

Widow G. Your daughter's twenty. 
Come, 3''ou at least were twenty when you married 
That makes you forty. 

Sir W. Oh, dear ! — Widow Green, 

Widow G. Not forty ] 

Sir W. You do quite embarrass me f 
1 own I have the feelings of a boy, 
The freshness and the glow of springtime yet. 
The I'elish yet for my young school-day's sports j 
Could whip a top — could shoot a taw — :COuld plaiy 
At prison-bars and leap-frog, so I might — 
Not with a limb, perhaps, as supple, but 
With quite as supple will. — Yet 1 confess 
To more than forty ! 

Widow G. Do you say so 1 Well, 
I'll never guess a man's age by his looks 
Again. — Poor Master Waller ! He must writhe 
To hear I think Sir William is so young. 
I'll turn his visit yet to more account. [Asute. 

A. handsome ring. Sir William, that you wear f 

Sir W. Pray look at it. 

Widow G. The mention of a ring 
Will take away his breath. [Aside. 

Wal. She must be mine, 
VVhate'er her terms ! [Aside. 

Widow G. I'll steal a look at him ! 

Wal What ! though it be the ring 1 the marriage ririg t 



8d£!tB 1 .) 



Tilt; lovl: chasS. V 



If that she sticks at, she deserves to wear it ! 

Oh, the debate which love and prudence hold ! [Aside. 

Widow G. How highly he is wrought upon ! — His 
hands 
Are clenched ! — I warrant me his frame doth shake ' 
Poor Master Waller ! I have filled his heart 
Brimful with passion for me. — The delight 
Of proving thus my power ! 

Sir W. Dear Widow Green ! 
She iUears not ! How the ring hath set her thinking ! 
I'll try and make her jealous. [Aside.] — Widow Green ! 

Widow G. Sir William Fondlove ! 

Sir W. Would you think that ring 
Could tell a story 1 

Widow G. Could it ] Ah, Sir William ! 
I fear you are a rogue. 

Sir W. Oh, no ! 

Widow G. You are ! 

Sir W. No, on my honour ! Would you like to he;ir 
The story of the ring 1 

Widow G. Much, — very much; 

Sir W. Think'st we may venture draw our chairs apati 
A little more from Master Waller 1 

Widoio G. Yes. 
He'll b'liiig it to a scene ! Dear — dear Sir William, 
How much I am obliged to him ! A scene ! 
Gods, we shall have a scene ! — Good Master Waller, 
Your leave, I pray you, for a minute, while 
Sir William says a word or two to tne. 
He durst not trust his tongue for jealousy. [Amle 

Now, dear Sir William. 

Sir W. You must promise me 
You will not think me vain. 

Widoio G. No fear of that. 

Sir W. Nor given to boast. 
Widoio. Oh ! dear Sir William ! 

Sir W. Nor 
A flirt ! 

Widow G. Oh ! who would take you for a flirt 1 

Sir W. How very kind you are ! 

Widow G. Go on, Sir William. 

Sii W. Upon my life, I fear you'll think me vain ! 



S8 THE LOVE CHASE. [Acf HI 

I'm covered with confusion at the thought 
Of what I've done. 'Twas very, very wrong 
To promise you the story of the ring ; 
Meu should not talk of such things. 

Widow G. Such as what ? 
As ladies' favours 1 

Sir W. 'Pon my life, I feel 
As I were like to sink into the earth. 

Widow G. A lady, then, it was gave you the ring % 
Sir W. Don't ask me to say yes, but only scan 
The inside of the ring. How much she's moved ! [Aside 
Wal. (r. c.) [Aside.] They to each other company 
enough ! 
I, company for no one but mj^self. 
I'll take my leave, nor trouble them to pay 
The compliments of parting. Lydia! Lydia ! [Exit, Vi. 
Widoio G. What's here I " Eliza !" — So, it was a la« 
dy! 
How wondrously does Master Waller bear it ! 
He surely will not hold much longer out. [Aside 

Sir William ! Nay, look up ! What cause to cast 
Your eyes upon the ground 1 What an' it were 
A lady I 

Sir W. You're not angry 1 
Widow (?. No ! 
Sir W. She is. 
I'll take the tone she speaks in 'gainst the word. 
For fifty crowns. [Aside.]-'--! have not told you all 
About the ring ; though I would sooner die 
Than play the braggart ! — yet, as truth is truth, 
And, told by halves, may from a simple thing, 
By misconstruction, to a monster grow, 
I'll tell the whole truth ! 

Widow G. Dear Sir William, do ! 
Sir fV. The lady was a maid, and very young . 
Nor there in justice to her must I stop, 
But say that she was beautiful as young. 
And add to that that she was learned, too, 
"Almost enough to win for her that title, 
" Our sex, in poor conceit of their own merits 
*' And narrow spirit of monopoly, 
** And jealousy which gallantry eschewa^ 



Bceve M 



T»E LOVE CHASE. 39 



" Do give to women who assert their right 
" To minds as well as we. 

" Widow G. What ! a blue stocking 1 

Sir TV. " I see. — She'll come to calling names at last, 

" [Aside. 
" I should offend myself to quote the term. 
" But to return, for yet I have not done ; 
" And further yet may go, then progress on" 
That she was young, that she was beautiful, 
A \^it and learned are naught to what's to come — 
She had a heart ! — 

Widow G. [who, during Sir WilUam^s speech has turned 
gradually.] What, Master Waller gone ! [Aside. 

Sir W. I say she had a heart — 

Widotv G. [Starting up, c. — Sir William also} A plague 
upon her ! 

Sir W. (l. c.) I knew she would break out ! [Aside 

Widow G. Here, take the ring. 
It has ruined me ! 

Sir W. I vow thou hast no cause 
For anger ! 

Widoio G. Have T not 1 I am undone, 
And all about that bauble of a ring. 

Sir W. You're right, it is a bauble. 

Widow G. And the minx 
That gave it thee ! 

Sir W. You're right, she was a minx. 

knew she'd come to calling names at last. [Aside. 

Widoiv G. Sir AVilliam Fondlove, leave m^. 

Sir W. Widow Green ! — 

Widow G. You have undone me. Sir ! 

Sir W. Don't say so ! — Don't ! 
It was a girl — a child gave me the ring; ! 

Widow G. Do you hear me. Sir ! 1 bade yoii leave ma 

" Sir W. If 
" I thought you were so jealous. 

" Widow G. Jealous, Sir ! 
" Sir William ! quit my house. 

" Sir W. A little girl 
' To make you jealous ! 

" Widow G. Sir, you'll drive me mad ! 

" Sir W. A child, a perfect -;hUd, not ten years old I 



40 TME LCVE CHASE [ACC Itl 

" Widow G, Sir, I would be alone, sir ! 

" Sir W. Young enough 
" To dandle still her doll ! 

" Widow G. Sir William Fondlove ! — 

'• Sir W. Dear Widow Green ! 

" Widow G." I hate you, sir! — Detest yiu! — Never 
wisii 
To see you more ! You have ruined me ! — Undone me ! 
A blighted life I wear, and all through you ! 
The fairest hopes that ever woman nourished 
You've cankered in the very blowing ! bloom, 
And sweet destroyed, and nothing left me, but 
The melancholy stem. 

Sir W. And all about 
A little slut I gave a rattle to ! — 
Would pester me for gingerbread and comfits 1 
A little roguish feigning ! — A love trick 
I. played to prove your love I 

Widow G. Sir William Fondlove ! 
If of my own house you'll not suffer me 
To be the mistress, I will leave it to you ! 

Sir W. Dear Widow Green ! The ring— 

Widow G. Confound the ring, 
The donor of it, thee, and everything ! 

[Exit, R. 1 E. hurric'^'if. 

Sir W. She is over head and ears in love with me. 
She's mad with love ! There's love and all its signs ► 
She's jealous of me unto very death ! 
Poor Widow Green ! I warrant she is now 
In tears ! — I think I hear her sob !— Poor thing ! 
Sir William ! oh, Sir William ! you have raised 
A furious tempest ! Set your wits to work 
To turn it to a calm. No question that 
She loves me ! — None, then, that she'll take me I f5(? 
I'll have the marriage settlements made out 
To-morrow, and a special licence got. 
And marry her the next day ! I will nciake 
Quick work of it, and take her by surprise ! 
Who but a widower a widow's match ; 
What could she see with else but partial eyes 
To guess me only forty ! I'm a wondor ! 
What shall I pass for in my wedding suit ! 



leimil.] THE LOVE CHASli 41 

1 VOW, I am a puzzle to myself, 

As well as all the world besides. — Odds life ! 

To will the heart of buxom Widow Green ! [Ji^xit^ i.. 

Widow Green re-enters with Lydia, r. 1 e. 

Widow G. At last the dotard's gone ! Fly, Lydia, fly 
This letter bear to Master Waller straight ; 
Quick, quick, or I'm undone ! — He is abused. 
And I must undeceive him — own my love, 
And heart and hand at his disposal lay. 
Answer me not, ray gii-1 — Obey me ! — Fly. [Exit, R 

Lydia. Untowardly it falls ! — I had resolved 
This hour to tell her I must quit her service ! 
Go to his house ! — I will not disobey 
Her last commands ! — I'll leave it at the door, 
And as it closes on me, think I take 
One more adieu of him ! — Hard destiny ! [Exit, l 

Scene II. — A Room, in Sir Willia7n Fondlove's 

Enter Constance, r. 

Con. The booby ! He must fall in love, indeed ! 
And now he's naught but sentimental looks 
And sentences pronounced 'twixt breath and voice ! 
And attitudes of tender languishment ! 
Nor can I get from him the name of her 
Hath turned him from a stock into a fool. 
He hems and haws, now titters, now looks xjrave ! 
Begins to speak and halts ! — takes off his eyes 
To fall in contemplation on a chair, 
A table, or the ceiling, wall, or floor ! 
I'll' plague him worse and worse ! Oh, here he cnmf.« ! 

Enter WiLDRAKE, L. 

Wild. Despite her spiteful usage, I'm r«s*^lvsd 
To tell her now. Dear neighbour Consta»«>«» \ 

Con. Fool ! 
Accost me like a lady. Sir ! I hate 
The name of neighbour ! 

Wild. Mistress Constance, then— 
I'll call thee that. 

Con, Don't call rie anything ! 



42 THE LOVE CHASE. FAcT III. 

I hate to hear ihee speak — to look at thee, 
To dwell in the same house with thee I 

Wild. In what 
Have I offended ? 

Con. What ! — I hate an ape ! 

Wild. An ape ! 

Con. Who bade thee ape the gentleman ? 
And put on dress that don't belong to thee 1 
Go ! change thee with thy whipper-in or huntsman, 
And none will doubt thou wearest thy own clothes. 

Wild. A pretty pass ! Mocked for the very dress 
1 bought to pleasure her ! Untoward things 
Are women ! [Aside — walks bacJcivards and forwards. 

Con. Do you call that walking % Pray, 
What makes you twist your body so, and take 
Such pains to turn your toes out ] If you'd walk. 
Walk thus ! walk like a man, as I do now ! [ Walking. 
Is yours the way a gentleman should walk % 
You neither walk like man nor gentleman ! 
I'll show you how you walk. [MimicJis kim.] Do you call 
that walking 1 

Wild. My thanks for a drill-sergeant twice a day 
For her sake ! [Aside. 

Con. Now, of all things in the world, 
What made you dance last night 1 

Wild. What made me dance 1 

Con. Right ! It was anything but dancing ! Steps 
That never came from dancing school — nor English, 
Nor Scotch, nor Irish ! — You must try to cut, 
And how you did it ! [Cuts.] That's the way to cut ! 
And then you chasse ! Thus you went, and thus, 

[Mimicking him. 
As though you had been playing at hop, step, 
And jump ! — And yet you looked so monstrous pleased, 
And played the simpleton with such a grace. 
Taking the tittering for compliment ! 
I could have boxed you soundly for't. Ten times, 
Denied I that I knew you. 

Wild. Twenty guineas 
Were better in the gutter thrown, than gone 
T <j fee a dancing master ! [Aside. 

Con, And you'ie gi'own 



SCEKE II.] 



:he love cha.se. 43 



An amateur in music ! — What fine air 
Was that you jjraised last night 1 — " The Widow Jones '*' 
A country jig they've turned into a song. 
You asked " if it had come from Italy ]" 
The lady blushed, and held her peace, and then 
You blushed and said, "Perhaps it came from Fiance' 
And then when blushed the lady more, nor spoke. 
You said, " At least it came from Germany !" 
The air was English ! — a true English air ; 
A downright English air ! A common air, 
Old a* " When Good King Arthur." Not a square, 
Court, alley, street, or lane about the town, 
In which it is not whistled, played, or sung ! 
But you must have it come from Italy, 
Or Germany, or France. — Go home ! Go home ! 
To Lincolnshire, and mind thy dog and horn ! 
You'll never do for town ! " The Widow Jones" 
To come from Italy ! Stay not in town, 
Or you'll be married to the Widow Jones, 
Since you've forsworn, you say, the Widow Green ! 
And morn and night they'll din your ears with her ! 
" Well met, dear Master Wildrake. — A fine day ! 
Fray, can you tell whence came the Widow Jones V 
They love a jest in town ! — To Lincolnshire ! 
You'll never do for town ! — To Lincolnshire ! 
" The Widow Jones" to come from Italy ! [Exit, t. 

Wild. Confound the Widow Jones ! 'Tis true ! The 

air. 
Well as the huntsman's t "iple 'most I know, 
But knew not then, indt^J, 'twas so disguised 
With shakes and flourishes, outlandish things, 
That mar, not grace, an honest English song! 
Hoive'er, the mischief's done ! and as for her. 
She is either into hate or madness fallen. 
If madness, would she had her wits again. 
Or I my heart — If hate — my love's undone ; 
I'll give he: up. I'll e'en to Master Trueworth, 
Confess my treason — own my punishment — 
Take horse, and back again to Lincolnshire ! [Exit, L. 

" Con. [Returning.] Not here ! I trust I have not govs 

too far ! * 
*• If hi should quit the house ! Gd out of townl 



44 THE LOVE CHASE [AcT if 

" Poor neighbour Wildrake ! Little does he owe me I 

"From childhood I've been used to plague him thus, 

" Why would he fall in love, and spoil it all ! 

" T feel as I could cry ! He has no right 

" To marry any one 1 What wants he with 

" A wife 1 Has he not plague enough in me 1 

" Would he be plagued with anybody else 1 

" Ever since I have lived in town I 've felt 

" The want of neighbour Wildrake ! Not a soul 

" Besides I care to quarrel with ; and now 

" He goes and gives himself to another! — What ! 

" Am I in love with neighbour Wildrake 1 — No. 

" I only would not have him marry — marry ! 

" Sooner I'd have him dead than have him marry ! 

[Exii, R. 

END OF ACT III. 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. — A Room in Master Waller's House. 
Enter Alice hastily, l. 

Alice. [Speaking to the outside.] Fly, Stephen, to the 
door ! your rapier ! quick ! — 
Our master is beset, because of one 
Whose part be takes, a maid, whom lawless men 
Would lawlessly entreat ! In what a world 
We live !• — How do I shake ! — With what address 

[Loo/cing out of window 
He lays about him, and his other arm 
Engaged, in charge of her whom he defends ! 
A damsel worth a broil ! — Now, Stephen, now ! 
Take off the odds, brave lad, and turn the scale ! 
" J would I were a swordsman ! How he makes 
" His rapier fly ! — Well done ! — Oh, Heaven, there's blood, 
" But on the side that's wrong ! — Well done, good Ste- 
phen ! 
" Pray Heaven no life be ta'en ! — Lay on, brave lad ! 
" He has marked liis man again ! Gool lad — Well done ! 
" I pray no mischief come ! — Press on him, Stephen ! 



SesBx I.l 



THE LOVE CHASE. 45 



" Now gives he ground — Follow thy advantage up ! 
*' Allow no pause for breath ' — Hit him again ! 
" Forbid it end in death ! — Lounge home, good Steplen ! 
" How fast he now retreats ! That spring, I'll swear, 
•Was answer to thy point ! — Well fenced ! — Well fenc- 
ed !" 
Now Heaven forefend it end in death ! — He flies ! 
And from his comrade, the same moment, hath 
Our master jerked his sword. — The day is ours ! 
Quick may they get a surgeon for their wounds. 
And I a cordial for my fluttered spirits. 
I vow, I'm nigh to swoon ! 

Wccl. [without, L.) Hoa ! Alice ! Hoa ! 
Open the door ! Quick, Alice ! Quick ! 

Alice. Anon ! 
Young joints do take no thought of aged ones, 
But ever think them supple as themselves. 

Wal. Alice ! 

Alice. [Opening the door.] I'm here! A mercy! — Is 
she dead ] 

Enter Waller, hearing Lydia, fainting, l. 

Wal. No ! — She but faints — A chair ! — Quick, Alice, 
quick ! 
Water to bathe her temples. [Exit Alice, r.] Such a turn 
Did fortune never do me ! Shall I kiss 
To life these frozen lips % — No ! — Of her plight 
'Iwere base to take advantage. [Alice returns, r., Sfc.\ All 

is well. 
The blood returns. 

Alice. How wondrous fair she is ! 

Wal. Thou think' st her so 1 — No wonder tl len should I. 

[Aside 
How say you 1 — Wondrous fair 1 

Alice. Yes ; wondrous fair ! 
f larm never come to her ! — So sweet a thing 
'T were uity were abused ! 

PTflZ." You think her fair? 

Alice. Ay, marry ! Half so fair were more than matci 
For fairest she e'er saw mine eyes before ! 
And v/hat a form ! A foot and instep there ! 
Vouchers of symmetry I A little foot 



46 THE LOVE CHASE. 



lActi^f 



And rising instep, from an ankle avcLing, 
A palm, and that a little one, might span. 

Wal. Who taught thee thus 1 

Alice. Why, who but her, taught thee ? 
Thy mother ! — Heaven rest her ! — Thy good mother I 
She could read men and w^umen by their hands 
And feet ! — And here's a hand ! — ^A fairy palm ! 
Fingers that taper to the pinky tips, 
With nails of rose, like shells of such a hue, 
Berimmed with pearl, you pick up on the shore ' 
Save these the gloss and tint do wear without. 

Wal. Why, how thou talk'st ! 

Alice. Did I not tell thee, thus 
Thy mother used to talk 1 Such hand and foot. 
She would say, in man or woman, vouched for nature 
High tempered !- — soil for sentiment refined ; 
Afiection tender ; apprehension quick — 
Degrees beyond the generality ! 
There is a marriage finger ! Curse the hand 
Would balk it of a ring ! 

Wal. She's quite restored. 
Leave us ! — Why cast'st thou that uneasy look 1 
Why linger'st thou 1 I'm not alone with her — 
My honour's with her, too ! I would not wrong fier. 

Alice. And if thou would'st, thou'rt not thy mothei'a 
son. [Exit. R. 

Wal. You are better 1 

Lydia. Much ! — Much ! 

Wal. Know you him who durst 
Attempt this violence in open day ] 
He seemed as he would force thee to his coach, 
I saw attending. 

Lydia. Take this letter, sir. 
And send the answer — I must needs be go ! 

Wal. \TJirows the letter away. \ I read no letter' roV 
me, what of him 
I saw offend thee ? 

Lydia. He hath often met me. 
And by design, I think, upon the street, 
And tried to win mino ear, which ne'er he got, 
Save only by enforcement. Presents — gifts 
Of jewels and of gold to wild amount, 



Bcxhk I.j 



1HV. LOVE CHASE. 47 



To win an audience, hath he proffered me ; 
Until, niethought, my silence — for my lips ^ 

Disdained reply where question was a wrong — 
Had wearied him. Oh, Sir ! whate'er of life 
Remains to me I had foregone, ere proved 
The horror of this hour ! — and you it is 
That have protected me ! 

Wal. Oh, speak not on't ! 

Lydia. You that have saved me from mine enemy— 

Wal. I pray you to forget it. 

Ly^ia. From a foe 
More dire than he that putteth life in peril- — 

Wal. Sweet Lydia, J beseech you, spare me. 

Lydia. No ! 
1 will not spai'e you. — You have brought me safety, 
You whom I fear worse than that baleful foe. [Rises tog0, 

Wal. [Kneeling and snatching her handl\ Lydia ! 

Lydia. Now make thy bounty perfect. Drop 
My hand. That posture, which dishonours thee, 
Quit ! — for 'tis shame on shame to show respect 
Where we do feel disdain. Throw ope thy gate 
And let me pass, and never seek with me, 
By look, or speech, or aught, communion more ! 

Wal. Thou said'st thou lov'dst me ! 

Lydia. Yes ! when I believed 
My tongue did take of thee its last adieu, 
And now that I do know it — for be sure, 
It never bids adieu to thee again — 
Again I tell it thee ! Release m.e, sir ! 
Rise ! — and no hindrance to my will oppose, 
That would be free to go. 

Wal. I cannot lose thee ! 

Lydia. Thou canst not have me 1 

Wal. No! 

lydia. Thou canst not. 1 
Repeat it. — Yet I'm thine — thine every way , 
Except where honour fences ! — Honour, sir, 
Not property of gentle blood alone ; 
Of gentle blood not always property. 
Thou'lt not obey me ! Still enforcest me ! 
Oh, what a contradiction is a man ! 
What in another he one moment spurns. 
The next — --he does himself complacently I 



48 THE LOVE CHASE. 



[Act IY 



WuL Would'st have me lose the hand that holds my 
lifel 

Lydia. Heai' me and keep it, if thou art a man ! 
I love thee, — for thy benefit would give 
The labour of that hand ! — wear out my feet ! 
Rack the invention of my mind ! the powers 
Of my heart in one volition gather up ! 
My life expend, and think no more T gave, 
Than he who wins a priceless gem for thanks ! 
For such good will canst thou return me wrong 1 

Wal. Yet, for a while, I cannot let thee go. 
Propound for me an oath that I'll not wrong thee ; 
An oath which, if I break it, doth entail 
Forfeit of earth and heaven. I'll take it — so 
Thou stay'st one hour v/ith me. 

Lydia. No ! — Not one moment ! 
Unhand me, or I shriek ! — I know the summons 
Will pierce into the street, and set me free ' 
I stand in peril while I'm near thee ! She 
Who knows her danger, and delays escape, 
Hath but herself to thank, whate'er befals ! 
Sir, I may have a woman's weakness, but 
1 have a woman's resolution, too, 
And that's a woman's strength ! One moment more !'- 

Wal. Lo ! Thou art free to go ! 
[Rises, and throws himself distractedly into a chair 
Lydia approaches the door — her pace, slackens — sht 
pauses loith her hand upon the lock — turns and loola 
earnestly on Waller. 

Lydia. (l.) I have a word 
To say to thee ; if by thy mother's honour 
Thou swear'st t.> me thou wilt not quit thy seat. 

Wal. I sweai as thou propound'st to me. 

Lydia. [After a pause, bursting into tears.] Oh, why- 
Why have you used me thus 1 See what yoz. ve aone • 
Essayed to light a guilty passion up, 
And kindled in its stead a holy one ! 
For I do love thee ! (c.) Know'st thou not the wish 
To find desert doth bring it oft to sight. 
Where yet it is not 1 so for substance passes 
What only is a phantasm of our minds ! 
I feared thy love was guilty — yet my wisk 



ScCRE 1 1. J 



THE LOVE CilASE. 49 



To find it honest, stronger than my fear 
My fear with fatal triumph overthrew ! 
Now hope and fear give up to certainty 
And I must fly thee — yet must ove thee still 

WaL Lydia ! By all— 

Lydia. I pray you, hear me out ! 
Was't right ? was't generous % was't pitiful ] 
One way or other I might be undone : 
To love with sin — or love without a hope ! 

WaL Yet hear me, Lydia ! — 

IjlfAia. Stop ! I am undone ! 
A maid without a heart — robbed of the soil 
Wherein life's hopes and wishes root and spring, 
And thou the spoiler did me so much hate, 
And vowed me so much love ! — But I forgive thee ! 
Yea, I do bless thee ! \Iiusldng up and sinking at his feci 
Recollect thy oath ! — 

Or in thy heart lodged never germ of honour, 
But 'tis a desert all ' \Kisscs his hand — presses it to het 

heart, and kisses it again. 
Farewell, then, to thee ! [Rises. 

May'st thou be happy ! '^ Going 

Wal. Would'st ensui-e the thing 
Thou wishest 1 [She moves towards the door icith a g.i:» 

ture that prohibits further converse. 
Stop ! [She continues to move on. 

Oh, sternly resolute ! [She still moves. 

I mean thee honour ! [She stops and turns towards him. 

Thou dost meditate — 
I know it — flight. — Give me some pause for thought. 
But to confirm a mind almost made up. 
If ia an hour thou hear'st not from me, then 
Think me a friend far better lost than won ! 
Wilt thou do this % 

Lydia. I will. 

Wal. An hour decides ! [Exeunt severally. 

Scene U.—A Room in Sir William Fmdlove's. 

Enter Trueworth and Wildrake, k. 

Wild. You are not angry ] 



50 THE LOVE CHASE. 



[Act IV 



True. No ; I knew the service 
[ sent you on was one of danger. 

Wild. Thank you. 
Most kind you are — And you believe she loves me J 
And your own hopes give up to favour mine 1 
Was ever known such kindness ! Much, I fear, 
Twill cost you. 

True. Never mind ! I'll try and bear it. 

Wild. That's right. No use in yielding to a thing. 
Resolve does wonders. Shun the sight of her — 
See other women. Fifty to be found 
As fair as she. 

True. I doubt it. 

Wild. Doubt it not. 
Doubt nothing that gives promise of a cure. 
Right handsome dames there are in Lancashire, 
Whence called their women witches ! — witching things !— 
I know. a dozen families in which 
You'd meet a courtesy worthy of a bow. 
I'll give you letters to them. 

True. (l. c.) Will you 1 

Wild. (r. c.) Yes. 

True. The worth of a disinterested friend I 

Wild. Oh, Master Trueworth, deeply I'm your debtor ! 
I own I die for love of neighbour Constance ! 
And thou to give her up for me ! Kind iriend ! 
What won't 1 do for thee ! — Don't pine to death ; 
I'll find thee fifty ways to cure thy passion. 
And make thee heart-whole, if thou'rt so resolved. 
Thou shalt be master of my sporting stud, 
And go a hunting. If that likes thee not. 
Take up thy quarters at ray shooting lodge ; 
There is a cellar to't, make free with it : 
I'll thank thee if thou emptiest it. The song 
Gives out that wine feeds love — it drowns it, man ! 
If thou wilt neither hunt nor shoot, try games ; 
P^ay at loggats, bowls, fives, dominos, draughts, cribbage^ 
Backgammon — special recipes for love ! 
And you believe, for all the hate she shows. 
That neighbour Constance loves me % 

True. 'Tis my thought. 

Wild. How shall I find it out ♦ 



SCEH* II,] THE LOVE CHASE. 6' 

True. Affect to love 
Aiiotlier. Say your passion thrives ; the clay 
Is fixed ; and pray her undertake the part 
Of bridemaid to your bride. 'Twill bring her out. 

Wild You think she'll own her passion ] 

True. If she loves. 

Wild. I thank thee ! I will try it ! Master Truevrorth, 
What shall I say to thee, to give her up, 
A lid love her so ? 

True. Say nothing. 

\UUd. Noble friend ! 
Kind friend ! Instruct another man the way 
To win thy mistress ! Thou'lt not break thy heart ? 
Take my advice, thou shalt not be in Jove 
A month ! Frequent the play-house ! — walk the Paiks ! 
I'll think of fifty ladies that I know, 
Yet can't remember now — enchanting ones ! 
And then there's Lancashire ! — and I have friends 
In Berkshire and in Wiltshire, that have swarms 
Of daughters ! Then my shooting lodge and stud ! 
I'll cure thee in a fortnight of thy love ! 
And now to neighbor Constance — [ Crosses^ \..\ — yel almost 
I fear accosting her — a hundred times 
Have I essayed to break my mind to her, 
But still she stops my mouth with restless scorn ! 
Howe'er, thy scheme I'll try, and may it thrive ! 
For I am sick for love of neighbour Constance. 
Farewell, dear Master Trueworth ! Take my counsel- 
Conquer thy passion ! Do so ! Be a man ! [Exit, l 

True. Feat easy done that does not tax ourselves ! 

Knier Phcebe, r. 

Phoebe. A letter, sir, [Exit, r. 

True. Good sooth, a roaming one ! 
And yet slow traveller. This should have reaclhea me 
In Lombai'dy. — " The hand ! Give way, weak ieal, 
" Thy feeble let too strong for my impatience !" 
Ha ! Wronged ! — Let me contain myself! — Compelled 
To fly the roof that gave her birth ! — My sister ! 
No partner in her flight but her pure honour ! 
r am again a brother. — Pillow, board, 
know not till I find her. 



62 THE LOVE CHASE 



I Act a? 



Enter Waller, r. 

Wal, Master Trueworth ! 

True. Ila ! Master Waller ! Welcome, Master Waile? 

Wal. Good Master Trueworth, thank you. Finding you 
From home, I e'en made bold to follow you, 
For I esteem you as a man, and fain 
Would benefit by your kind offices. 
But let me tell you first, to your reproof 
I am indebted more than e'er I was 
To praise of any other. I am come, sir, 
Ttr give you evidence I am not one 
Who owns advice is right, and acts not on't. 

True. Pray you, explain. 

Wal. Will you the bearer be 
Of this to one has cause to thank you, too. 
Though I the larger debtor 1 — Read it, sir. 

True. [Reading the letter.] " At morn to-morrow I will 
make you mine. 
Will you accept from me the name of wife — 
The name of husband give me in exchange 1" 

Wal. How say you, sir 1 

True. 'Tis boldly — nobly done ! 

Wal. If she consents — which affectation 'twere 
To say I don't — bid her prepare for church, 
And you shall act the father, sir, to her 
You did the brother by. 

True. Right willingly, 
Though matter of high moment I defer, 
Mind, heart, and soul, are all enlisted in ! 

Wal. May I implore you, haste ! A time is set !- - 
How light an act of duty makes the heart ! 

[Exeunt together, R 

Scene III. — Another Chatnher in Sir William's Iloutf, 

Constance discovered, c 

Con. I'll pine to death for no man ! Wise it were. 
Indeed, to die for neighbour Wildrake — No ! — 
I know the duty Df a woman better — 
What fits a maid of spirit ! I am out 
Of patience witi myself, to cast a thought 
A.way upon him. Hang him ! Lovers cost 



ICEKE III.] 



THE LOVE CnA.SE. '^3 



Naught but the pains of living. I'll get fifty, 

And break the heart of every one of them ! 

I will ! I'll be the champion of my sex, 

And take revenge on shallow fickle man, 

Who gives his heart to fools, and slights the worth 

Of proper women ! I suppose she's handsome ! 

My face 'gainst hers at hazard of mine eyes 1 

A maid of mind ! I'll talk her to a stand. 

Or tie my tongue for life ! A maid of soul ! 

An artful, managing, dissembling one ! 

Or she had never caught him — he's no man 

To fall in love himself, or long ago, 

I warrant, he had fallen in love with me ! 

I hate the fool — I do. Ha, here he comes ! 

What brings 'him hither 1 Let me dry my eyes ; 

He must not bee I have been crying. Hang him, 

T 've much to do, indeed, to cry for him ! 

Enter Wildrake, l. 

JVild. Your servant, neighbour Constance. 

Con. Servant, sir ! 
Now what, I wonder, comes the fool to say. 
Makes him look so important ! 

Wild. Neighbour Constance, 
I am a happy man. 

Con. What makes you so 1 

Wild. A thriving suit. 

Con. In Chancery ? 

Wild. Oh, no ! 
In love. 

Con. Oh, true ! You. are in love ! Go on! 

Wild. Well, as I said, my suit's a thriving one. 

Con. You mean you are beloved again 1 — I don't 
Believe it. 

Wild, I can give you proof. 

Con. What proof? 
Love-letters 1 She's a shameless maid 
To write them ! Can she spell ? Ay, I suppose 
With prompting of a dictionary ! 

Wild. Nay, 
Without one. 

Con. I will lay you ten to one 
She cannot spell ! How know you she can spell I 



54 THE LOVE CHASE 



[Ae*l 



You cannot speli yourself! You write command 

With a single M C— O— M— A— N— D : 

Yours to Co-mand. 

Wild. I did not say she wrote 
Love-letters to me. ' 

Con, Then she suffers you to press 
Her hand, perhaps 1 

Wild. She does. 

Con. Does she press yours ! 

Wild. She does. — It goes on swimmingly ! \Atide 

Con. She does ! 
She is no modest woman ! I'll be bound, 
Your arm the madam suffers round her waist 1 

Wild. She does ! 

Con. She does ! Outrageous forwardness ! 
Does she let you kiss her 1 

Wild. Yes. 

Con. She should be — 

Wild. What? 

Con. What you got thrice your share of when at school, 
And yet not half your due ! A brazen face ! 
More could not grant a maid about to wed. 

Wild. She is so. 

Con. What? 

Wild. How swimmingly it goes ! [Aside. 

Con. [with sup-pressed impatiencc\ Are you about to 
marry, neighbour Wildrake % 
Are you about to marry ? 

Wild. Excellent. \Aside. 

Con. [breaking oui?^ Why don't you answer me ? 

Wild. I am. 

Con. You are^ 
I tell you what, sir — You*re a fool ! 

Wild. For what % 

Con. You are not fit to marry ! Do not know 
Enough of the world, sir ! Have no more experience. 
Thought, judgment, than a school-boy ! Have no mind 
Of your own — your wife will make a fool of you, 
Will jilt you, break your heart. I wish she may, 
I do ! You have no more business with a wife 
Than I have. Do you mean to say indeed, 
You are about to marry ] 



SCERZ I II. 3 



THE LOVE CHASE 56 



TVzld. Yes, indeed 

Con. And when ? 

Wild. I'll say to-morrow ! '. Aside 

Con. When, I say ] 

Wild. To-mowivr. 

Con. Thank you : much beholden to ycu ! 
You've told me on't in time ! I'm very much 
Beholden to you, neighbour Wildrake I And, 
I pray you, at what hour % 

Wild. That we have left 
For you to name. 

Caff. For me ! 

Wild. For you. 

Con. Indeed, 
You're very bountiful. I should not wonder, 
Meant you I should be bridesmaid to the lady ? 

Wild. 'Tis just the thing I mean. 

Con. [Furiously^ The thing you mean ! 
Now pray you, neighbour, tell me that again. 
And think before you speak ; for much I doubt 
You know what you are saying. Do you mean 
To ask me to be bridesmaid ] 

Wild. Even so. 

Con. Bridesmaid % 

Wild. Ay, bridesmaid ! — It is coming fast 
Unto a head. [Aside^ 

Con. And 'tis for me you wait 
To fix the day ] It shall be doomsday, then ! 

Wild. Be doomsday ? 

Con. Doomsday ! 

Wild. Wherefore doomsday ] 

Con. [^Boxes him.] Wherefore ! — 
Go ask your bride, and give her that from me. 
Look, neighbour Wildrake ! you may think this strange. 
But don't misconstrue it ! For you are vain, Sir ! 
And may put down for love what comes from hate. 
I should not wonder, thought you I was jealous ; 
But I'm not jealous, sir ! — would not be so, 
Where it was worth ray while — I pray henceforth 
We may be strangers, sir — you will oblige me 
By going out of town — I should not like 
To meet you on the street, sir. Mairy, air ! 



66 THE LOVE CHASE. ^j^ei y 

MaiTy to-day! The sooner, sir, the l-cller. 
And may you find you have made a bargain, sir 
As for the lady ! — much I wish her joy. 
I pray you, send to me no bride-cake, sir ! 
Nor gloves — If you do, I'll give them to my maid. 
Or throw them into the kennel — or the fire. 
I am your most obedient servant, sir ! | Exit. Bs 

Wild. She is a riddle, solve her he who can ! [£!«« * i 

END OP ACT IV 



ACT V. 

Scene I. — A Room in Sir Willia?n's. 

Sir William seated with two Lawyers, discovered. 

Sir W. How many words you take to tell few thingj 
Again, — again say over that, said once, 
Methinks, were told enough. 

1st Latv. It is the law. 
Which labours at precision. 

Sir W. Yes ; and thrives 
Upon uncertainty — and makes it, too. 
With all its pains to shun it. I could bind 
Myself, methinks, with but the twentieth part 
Of all this cordage, sirs. — But every man, 
As they say, to his own business. You think 
The settlement is handsome ] 

1st Law. Very, sir. 

Sir W. Then now, sirs, we have done, and take tyj 
thanks, 
Which, with your charges, I will render you 
Again to-morrow. 

1st Law. Happy nuptials, sir ! [Exeunt Lawye\ s, ) 

Sir W. Who passes there 1 Hoa ! send my dau^ht* 
to me. 
And Master Wildrake, too ! I wait for them. 
Bold work ! — without her leave to wait upon her, 
Anjl ask her go to church ! — 'Tis taking her 
By storm. What else c^uld move her yesterday, 



flCEHEl.] THE LOVE CHASE. 57 

But jealoudy ? What causeth jealousy 

But love ] She's mine the moment she receives 

Conclusive proof like this, that heart and soul, 

And mind and person, I am all her ow^n ! 

Heigh ho ! These soft alarms are very sweet, 

A.i.d yet tormenting, too ! Ha ! Master Wildrake, 

Enter Wildrake, l. 

[ am glad you'i'e ready, for I'm all in arms 

To bear the widow off. Come ! Don't be sad ; 

All must go merrily, you know, to-day ! — 

She still doth bear him hard, I see ! The girl 

A-ffects him not, and True worth is at fault. 

Though clear it is that he doth die for her. \^AsiAe, 

Well, daughter — So I see you're ready, too, 

Enter Constance, r. 
Why, what's amiss with thee % 

Enter Phcebe, l. 

Phoebe. The coacli is here. [Exit, L 

Sir W. Come, Wildrake, offer her your arm. 

Con, [To Wildrake.^ I thank you ! 
I 'm not an invalid ! — can use my limbs ! 
He knows not how to make an arm befits 
A lady lean upon. 

Sir W. Why, teach him, then. 

Con. Teach him ! Teach Master Wildrake ! Teach, 
indeed ! 
I taught my dog to beg, because T knew 
That he could learn it. 

Sir W. Peace, thou little shrew ! 
I'll have no wrangling on my wedding-d-iy ! 
Here, take my arm. 

Con. I'll not ! — I'll walk alone ! [C/oMifi, L. 

Live, die alone ! I do abominate 
The fool and all his sex 1 

Sir W. Again ! 

Con, I have done. 
When do you marry, Master Wildiakal She 
Will want a husband goes to church with thee ! [Exeunt, l 



68 THE LOVE CHASE , 4CT ▼ 

ScENK II. — Widow Greenes Dressing Room. 

Widow Green discovered at lier Toilet^ attended by Amei ik 
— Waller's letter to Lydia in her hand. 

Widotv G. Oh, bond of destiny ! — Fa\r bond, that soaV^t 
My fate in happiness ! — I'll read thee yet 
Again — although thou'rt written on my hpart. 
But here his hand, inditing thee, did lie ! 
And this the tracing of his fingers ! So 
I read thee that could rhyme thee, as my pray«»r-s ! 
*' At noon to-morroio will I make thee mine. 
Wilt thou receive from me the name of wife — 
The name of husband give me in exchange ?" 
The traitress ! to break ope my billet-doux. 
And take the envelope ! — But I forgive her, 
Since she did leave the rich contents behind 
Amelia, give this feather more a slope, 
That it sit droopingly. I would look all 
Dissolvement, naught about me to bespeak 
Boldness ! I would appear a timid bride, 
Trembling upon the verge of wifehood, as 
I ne'er before had stood there ! That will do. 
Oh, dear ! — how I am agitated — don't 
I look so 1 I have found a secret out. 
Nothing in women strikes a man so much 
As to look interesting ! Hang this cheek 
Of mine ! It is too saucy ; what a pity 
To have a colour of one's own ! — Amelia ! 
Could you contrive, dear girl, to bleach my cheek, 
How I would thank you ! I could give it then 
What tint I chose, and that should be the hectic 
Bespeaks a heart in delicate commotion. 
I am much too florid : stick a rose in my hair. 
The brightest you can find ; 'twill help, my girl. 
Subdue my rebel colour — Nay, the rose 
Doth lose complexion, not my cheek ! Exchange it 
For a carnation. That's the flower, Amelia ! 
You see how it doth triumph o'er my cheek. 
Are you content with me % 
Amel. I am, my lady. 

Widow G. Anr' whitlier, think you, has the hussy gone 



^^„ II.1 THE LOVE CHASE. 69 

Whose place you fill so well ] — Into the country t 
Or fancy you she stops in town ] 

Amel. I can't 
Conjecture. 

Widow G. Shame upon her ! Leave her place 
Without a moment's warning — with a man, too ; 
Seemed he a gentleman that took her hence ? 

Amel, He did. 

Widow G. You never saw him here before 1 

Amel. Never. 

Widow G. Not lounging on the other side 
Of tke street, and reconnoitering the windows ] 

Amel. Never. 

Widow G. 'T was planned by letter. Notes, you know 
Have often come to her — But I forgive her, 
Since this advice she chanced to leave behind 
Of gentle Master Waller's wishes, which 
I bless myself in blessing ! — [A Jcnock.] Gods, a knock ! 
'Tis he ! Show in those ladies are so kind 
To act my bridesmaids for me, on this brief 
And agitating notice. ^Amelia goes out, r.] Yes, T look 
A bride sufficiently ! And this the hand 
That gives away my liberty again % 
Upon my life it is a pretty hand, 
A delicate and sentimental hand ! 
No lotion equals gloves ; no woman knows 
The use of them that does not sleep in them ! 
My neck hath kept its colour wondrously 
Well ; after all, it is no miracle 
That I should win the heart of a young man. 
My bridesmaids come, Oh, dear ! 

Enter two TiXDi^SfU. 

1st Lady. How do you 1 A good morning to von-— 
Poor dear. 
How much you are affected ! Why, we thought 
You ne'er would summon us. 

Widow G. One takes, you know. 
When one is flurried, twice the time to dress. 
My dears, has either of you salts ! I thank you ! 
They are excellent ; the virtue's gone from mine, 
Nor thought I of renewing tliem. — Indeed, 
I'm unprovided quite for this affair 



60 THE 1 )VE C'ilASE. [Anl 

1st Lady. I tliink the bridegroom's come ! 

Widow G. Don't say so ! How 
You've made my heart jump ! 

1st Lady. As you sent for us, 
A new-launched carriage drove up to the door; 
The servants all in favours. 

Widow G. 'Pon my life, 
I never shall get through it ; lend me your hand. 

l^Half rises and throws lierself hack on her chair again, 
I must sit down again ! There came just now 
A feeling like to swooning over me. 
I 'm sure, before 'tis over, I shall make 
A fool of myself! I vow, I thought not half 
So much of my first wedding-day ! I'll make 
An effort. Let me lean upon your arm, 
And give me yours, my dear. Amelia, mind 
Keep near me with the smelling bottle. 

Enter Servant, r. 

Ser. Madam, 
The bridegroom's come. [Exit, r. 

Widow G. The brute has knocked me down ! 
To bolt it out so ! I had started less 
If he had fired a cannon at my ear. 
How shall I ever manage to hold up 
Till all is done ! I'm tremor head to foot. 
You can excuse me, can't you 1 Pity me. 
One may feel queer upon one's wedding-day. [Exeunt, R 

Scene III. — A Drawing-Room. 

Enter Servants, r., showing in S r William Fondlotji 
Constance, and Wildrake.— Servants exeunt, c. 

Sir W. [Aside to WildraJce.] Good Master Wi^drakr 
look more cheerfully ! — Come, 
You do not honour to my wedding-day. 
How brisk am I 1 My body moves on springs ! 
My stature gives no inch I throw away ; 
My supple joints play free and sportfilly ; 
I'm every atom what a man should be. 

Wild. I pray you, pardon me, Sir William ! 

Sir W. Smile, theu, 



fcEintlll.J 



THE LOVE CHASE. €1 



And talk, and rally nie ! I did expect 

Ere half an hour had passed, you would have put me 

A dozen times to the blush. Without such things, 

A bridegroom knows not his own wedding-day. 

I see ! Her looks are glossary to thine : 

She flouts thee still, — 1 marvel not at thee ; 

There's thunder in that cloud ! I would to-day 

It would disperse, and gather in the morning. 

I fear me much, thou know'st not how to woo. 

I'll give thee a lesson. Ever there's a way, 

But knows one how to take it ! Twenty men 

Ha'tte courted Widow Green. Who has her now ] 

I sent to advertise her, that to-day 

I meant to marry her. She would not open 

My note. And gave I up 1 I took the way 

To make her love me ! I did send again. 

To pray her leave my daughter should be bridesmaid 

That letter, too, came back. Did I give up 1 

I took the way to make her love me ! Yet 

Again I sent to ask what church she chose 

To marry at ; my note came back again ; 

And did I yet give up 1 I took the way 

To make her love me. All the while, I found 

She was preparing for the wedding. Take 

A hint from me ! She comes ! My fluttering heart 

Gives note the empress of its realms is near. 

Now, Master Wildrake, mark and learn from me 

How it behoves a bridegroom play his part. 

Enter Widow Green, l., supported hy Jicr Bridesrrn Jt 
and followed by Amelia. 

Widow G. 1 cannot raise my eyes — they cannot be/tf 
The beams of his, which, like the sun's, I feel 
Are on me, though I see them not, enlightening 
The heaven of his young face ; nor dare I scan 
The brightness of his form, which symmetry. 
And youth and beauty, in enriching vie. 
He kneels to me ! Now grows my breathir g thick. 
As though 1 did await a seraph's voice, 
Too rich for mortal ear. 

Sir W. My gentle bride ! 

Widow G. Who's that 'i who speaks to me | 
F 



62 THE LOVE CHASE. -jlo, y 

Sir IV. These ti'ansports check. 
Lo, a*» example to maukind I set, 
Of amorous emprise ; and who should thrive 
In love, £ not Love's soldier, who doth presfi 
The doubtful siege, and will not own repulse. 
Lo ! here i tender thee my fealty, 
To live thy auteous slave. My queen thou art, 
In frowns or s.niles, to give me lile or death. 
Oh, deign look Jown upon me ! In thy face 
Alone I look on day ; it is my sun 
Most bright ; the wnich denied, no sun doth rise. 
Shine out upon me, vny divinity ! 
My gentle Widow Gi«en ! my wife to be ! 
My love, my life, my drtx)ping, blushing bride ! 

Widow G. (r. c.) Sir TV illiam Fondlove, you're a fool J 

Sir W. (l. c.) a fool ? 

Widow G. Why come y ^a hither, sir, in trim like thif * 
Or rather, why at all ] 

Sir W. Why come I hithvx I 
To marry thee ! 

Widow 6r. The man will diive me mad ! 
Sir William Fondlove, I'm but forty, sir, 
And you are sixty, seventy, if a day ; 
At least you look it, sir. I marry you ! 
When did a woman wed her grandfather ? 

Sir IV. Her brain is turned ! 

Widow G. You're in your dotage, sir, 
And yet a boy in vanity ! But know 
Yourself from me : you're old and ugly, sir. 

Sir W. Do you deny you are in love with me % 

Widow G. In love with thee ! 

Sir W. That you are jealous of me ] 

Widow G. Jealous ! 

Sir W. To very lunacy 1 

Widow G. To liear him ! 

Sir W. Do you forget what happened yesteiday ? 

Widow G. Sir William Fondlove ! — [Crosset^ L, 

Sir W. (r.) Widow Green, fair play ! — 
Are you not laughing ? Is it not a jest ? 
Do you believe me seventy to a day % 
Do I look it 1 Am I old and ugly ] Why, 
Why do I see those favours in the hall, 



BcSHXlII.J THE LOVE CHASE 63 

These ladies dressed as brioesmaids, thee as bride, 
Unless to marry me 1 IKnCKM 

Widow G. He is coming, sir, 
Shall answer you for me ! 

Enter Waller, l., wit/i Gentlemen as Bridesmen. 

Wal. Where is she 1 What ! 
All that bespeaks the day, except the fair 
That's queen of it ] Most kind of you to grace 
My nuptial so ! But that I render you 
My thanks in full, make full my happiness, 
An4 tell me where's my bride ] 

Widow G. She's here. 

Wal. Where] 

Widow G. Here, 
Fair Master Waller ! 

Wal. Lady, do not mock me. 

Widow G. Mock thee ! My heart is stranger t: sttC4 
mood ; 
'Tis serious tenderness and duty all. 
\ pray you, mock not me, for I do strive 
With fears and soft emotions, that require 
Support. Take not away my little strength. 
And leave me at the mercy of a feather. 
I am thy bride ! If 'tis thy happiness 
To think me so, believe it, and be rich 
To thy most boundless wishes. Master Waller. 
I am thy waiting bride, the Widow Green ! 

Wal. Lady, no widow is the bride I seek. 
But one the church has never given yet 
The nuptial blessing to ! 

Widow G. What mean you, sir 1 
Why come a bridegroom here, if not to me 
You sued to be your bride 1 Is this your hand, sir ? 

[S/iowing Utter. 

Wal. It is ! addressed to your fair waiting maid. 

Widoio G. My waiting-maid ! The laugl is passing 
round, 
And now the turn is yours, sir. She is gone 
Eloped ! run off! and with the gentlemaa 
That brought your billet-doux. 

Wal. Is Trueworth false 1 



64 THE LOVE CHi^SE. [Ac« ? 

He must be false. What madness tei jptcJ me 
To trust him with such audience as I know 
Must sense, and mind, and soul of man entrance, 
And leave him but the power to feel its spell ! 
Of his own lesson he would profit take, 
And plead at once an honorable love. 
Supplanting mine, less pure, reformed too late ! 
And if he did, what merit I, except 
To lose the maid T would have wrongly won. 
And, had I rightly prized her, now had worn ] 
I get but my deservings ! 

Enter Trueworth, r. c, leading in Lydia richly dntt»4, 
and veiled frora head to foot. 

Master Trueworth, 

Though for thy treachery thou hast excuse,' 
Thou must account for it, so much I lose ! 
Sir, you have wronged me to amount beyond 
Acres, and gold, and life, which makes them rich. 
And compensation I demand of you. 
Such as a man expects, and none but one 
That's less than man refuses. Where's the maid 
You falsely did abstract ] 

True. I took her hence. 
But not by guile, nor yet enforcement, sir, 
But of her free w=ill, knowing what she did. 
" That, as I found I cannot give her back, 
" I own her state is changed, but in her place 
" This maid 1 offer you, her image, far 
" As feature, form, complexion, nature go . 
" Resemblance halting only there, where thou 
" Thyself didst pause — condition ; for this maid 
*' Is gently born and generously bred." 
Lo ! for your fair loss, fair equivalent ! 

Wal. Show mc another sun, another earth. 
I can inhabit, as this Sun and Earth; 
As thDu did'st take the maid, the maid herself 
Give ba(.k heraclf, her sole equivalent! 

True. Her sole equivalent I offer you 1 
My sister, sir, long com nted lost, now found, 
Who fled her home unwelcome bands to 'scapo 
" Which a half-father would have forced upon her. 



f MM III] 



THK LOVE ClUSE. 85 



** Taking advantage of her brother's absence 
'■" Away on travel in a distant land ! 
' Returned, I missed her ; of the cause received 
' Invention, coward, false and criminating ! 
'And gave her up for lost, but happily 
' Did find her yesterday" — Behold her, sir ! [Removes veil, 

Wal. Lydia! 

Widow G. My waiting-maid ! 

Wal. Thy sister, Traeworth ! 
Art thou fit brother to this virtuous maid 1 

True. [Giting Lydia to Walle);] Let this assure tltee. 

Lydia. [Crosses K. — To Widow Green.] Madam, pardoi 
me 
My double character, for honesty — 
No other end — assumed, and my concealment 
Of Master Waller's love. In all things else, 
I trust I may believe you hold me blameless ; 
At least, I'll say for you I should be so. 
For it was pastime, madam, not a task. 
To wait upon you ! Little you exacted, 
Aud ever made the most of what I d?d 
In mere obedience to you. 

Widow G. Give me your hand ; 
No love without a little roguery. 
If you do play the mistress well as maid. 
You will bear off the bell ! There never was 
A better girl ! [ Waller and Lydia go U2>.\ I have ma<l)d 

myself a fool ; 
I am un-done, if goes the news abroad. 
My wedding-dress I donned for no effect, 
Except to put it off ! I must be married. 
I'm a lost woman, if another day 
I go without a husband ! — What a sight 
He looks by Master Waller ! — Yet he is physic 
I die without, so needs must gulp it down. 
I'll swallow him with what good grace I can. 
Sir William Fondiove ! 

Sir W. Widow Green ! 

Widow G. I own 
I have been rude to you. Thou d jst not .ook 
.So old by thirty, forty years, as I 
Did say. Tbou'rt far from ugly — very far 



06 TH£ I.UVE CHASK. [ ktt f 

And as I said, Sir William, ouce before, 
Thou art a kind and right good-humoured man : 
[ was but angry with you ! Why, I'll tell you 
At more convenient season — and you know 
An angry woman heeds not what she saya, 
And will say anything ! 

Sir W. I were unworthy 
The name of man, if an apology 
So gracious came off profitless, and from 
A lady ! Will you take me, Widow Green % 

WidoiD G. Hem ! I Covrteaies. 

True. \To WildraJce.] Master Wildrake dicssed to go 
to church ! 
Slie has acknowledged, then, she loves thee ] — No 1 
Give me thy hand, I'll lead thee up to her. 

Wild. 'Sdeath ! what are you about 1 You know n« 
not. 
She'll brain thee ! 

True. Fear not : come along with nae. 
Fair Mistress Constance ! 

Con. Well, sir! 

Wild. [To TruewortL] Mind i 

True. Don't fear. 
Love you not neighbour Wildrake 1 

Con. Love, sir ! 

True. Yes, 
You do. 

Con. He loves another, sir, he does ! 
I hate him. We were children, sir, together 
For fifteen years and more ; there never came 
The day we did not quarrel, make it up, 
Quarrel again, and make it up again : 
Were never neighbours more like neighbours, sir 
Since he became a man, and I a woman, 
It still has been the same ; nor cared I ever 
To give a frown to any other, sir. 
And now to come and tell me he's in love, 
And ask me to be bridesmaid to his bride ! 
How durst he do it, sir ! — to fall in love ! 
Methinks at least he might have asked my leav« 
Nor had I wondered had he asked myseii, sir \ 

Wild '] he^ give thyself to me ! 



f€WKM Ilk J 



TiJE LUVV: CHA«E. W 



(hn. llow ! what ! 

Wild. Be mine ! 
Thou art the only maid thy neigh bo ir loves. 

Con. Art serious, neighbour Wildrake 1 

Wild. In the church 
I'll answer thee, if thou wilt take me ; though 
I neither dress, nor walk, nor dance, nor know 
" The Widow Jones" from an Italian, French, 
Or German air. 

Con. No more of that. — My hand. 

Wild. Giv'st it as free as thou didst yesterday 1 
'Con. [Affecting to strike him.] Nay! 

Wild. I will thank it, give it how thou wilt. 

Hldow G. A triple wedding ! May the Widow C«ie«4 
Obtain brief hearing e'er she quits the scene. 
The Love-Chase to your kindness to commeud-. 
In favour :€ an old. now absent friend ! 



Tnx BMf». 



FRENCH'S SCENES FOR AMATEURS. 

■ From approved designs. Repref "inting scenes suitable for any piece. These are 
ioviiluable t<r amateur scene paiuteis and also a great guide and help to profes- 
sionals. Measurement ie>i in. by 12>^ in. 
Price Coiored, each, 30 cents. Plain, each, 15 cents. 

BACK SCENES. 
The letters denote what borders and sides will go with the scenes. 



1. Cottage, Interior {j 6) 

2. " Exterior (o/) 

3. Wood (a ; ) 

4. Prison ;c I) 

5. Field (a k) 

6. Castle ik) 

7. Street (oi 

8. Palace (d ft) 

9. Drawing-room (j) 



10. Library (j) 

11. Street, Foreign (e) 

12. Boadside Inn with 

river and bridge (k, 

13. Foreign Hotel ext.(a/) 

14. Ship Deck 

15. Seascape {k) 

16. Cave (c I) 

17. Mountain Pass {b k) 



18. Attic {bj ) 

li). Lodging House Boom(J) 

20. Villa (a/) 

21. Court of Justice (ft) 

22. Baronial Hall (ft b) 

23. Proscenium, right 
23a " • lelt 

24. Curtain 

25. Drop Scene. 



BORDESS AND SIDES. 
a Foliage Orders. ic '<oi'9agu Kxterior Sides. \j Interior Sides. 

6 Rocks and RaftBoj-JerF i f y-.^a ^des. k Field and Rock Sides, 

c Stone Borders. 1 r; JKxierlor esides. I Stone Sides. 

d Fancy Borders. | h, Pillar Sides. j 



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Tills series is superior to any other published. The lollowing are ready : 

PRICE 40 CENTS EACH. M F 

The Bose of Auvergne, or "Spoiling the Broth, "1 act. Music by Offenbach 2 1 

The Blind Beggars, by Offenbach, 1 act 2 1 

The Barber of Bath. Offenbach, 1 act 3 1 

My New Maid, composed by Charles Lecocq, 1 act 2 

A Fit of the Blues, composed by V. Robillard, 1 act 1 1 

Breakiu'? iha Spell, Offenbach, 1 act 2 1 

Forty Winks, Offenbach, 1 act 2 1 

Grass Widows, V. Gabriel, 1 act 1 2 

Retain "^d on Both Sides, Lecocq 1 1 

Loan of a Lover 4 2 

Trial by Jury, composed by Arthur Sullivan, 1 act, words by W. 8. Gilbert. 
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PUBLISHED IN FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. 



Lancers 

Lucille 

Randall's Thumb 

■Wicked World 

Two Orphans 

Colleeu Bawn 

'Twixt Axe and Crown 



Lady Clancarty 

Never Too Late to Mend 

Lily of France 

Led Astray 

Henry V., new version 

Unequal Match 

May, or Dolly's Delusion 



Allatoona 
Enoch Ardf n 
Weak Woman 
How She Lovsa Him 
Our Sociity 
Rlother in Law 
Snowed In 



PUBLISHED IN FRENCH'S MINOR DRAMA. 



Wonderful Woman 
Curious Case 
Forty Winks 



As Like as Two Peas 
(Jourt Cards 
Happy Land 



Terrible Tinker 
My Uncle's Will 



PUBLISHED IN FRENCH'S LONDON EDITION 



Twenty Minutes Under an 
Umbrella 

Mr. JoflSn's Latch Key 

Watch and "Wait 

Family Pictures 

Fatal Glass 

Ashore and Afloat 

Jeannette and Jeannot 

Bridal Wreath 

Gold Fiend 

Tom Bowline 

NarciBse, the Vagrant 

The Vampire 

Headless Horseman 
[ Our Geordie 
j For Honor's Sake 

Our Bitterest Foe 

By Xloyal Command 

iBlow in the Dark 
I Painless Dentistry 
1 Taking tHe Veil 

Rely on My Discretion 
': Who stole the Clock 
j Love and Honor 
1 On the Clvde 
I Mary'^ Wenm. 



Bitter Keckoning 
Eileen Oge 
Bathing 
An Old Score 
3Iy Sister from India 
Maria Martin 
Among the Belies 
Nabob for an Hour 
An Old Man 
Village Nightingale 
Our Nelly 
Partners for Life 
Chopstick and Spikius 
Chiselling 

Birds in their Little Nests 
Pretty Predicam3nt 
Seven Sins 
Insured" at Lloyd's ' 
Hand and Glove 
Keep Vour Eye on Her 
Jessamy's Courtship 
False Alarm 
Up in the World 
J'arted 

One in Band, &c. 
Little Sunshine 



Who'll Lend me a Wife j 

Extremes Meet i 

Golden Plough 

Sweethearts 

Velvet and Hags _ 

Cut for Partner 

Love s Alaims '. 

An Appeal to the Feelini 

Tale of a Comrt 

Under False Colors 

Heroes 

Philanthropy 

Little Vixens 

The Coming Woman 

Telephone 

Too Late to Save 

Just My Luck 

Grateful Father 

Happy Medium 

Sole Survivor 

Neck or Nothing 

Poppleton'B Predicame: 

Auld Acquaintance 

Weeds 

White Pilgrim 

Dentist's Clerk 



Fam» 



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